AMERICAN CATTLE: 



HISTORY, BREEDING 



MANAGEMENT. 



REVISED AND BROUGHT DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME BY 
THE AUTHOR.— A THOROUGHLY EXHAUSTIVE WORK. 



BY LEWIS F. ALLEN, 



EX-PRESIDENT NEW YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, EDITOR "AMERICAN 
SHORT-HORN HERD BOOK," AUTHOR "RURAL ARCHITECTURE," ETC., ETC. 



- 



NEW YORK: 
ORANGE JUDD COMPANY. 

7 51 BROADWAY. 

1883. 






• A 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, 

BY LEWIS P. ALLEN, 

In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern 
District of New York. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the y( ar 1882, 

BY LEWIS F. ALLEN, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



The Courier Company, 

EUctrotypers, Printers and Binders, 

Buffalo, N. Y. 



PREFACE. 



The object of this work is not only to give a historical 
account of the Bovine race, to suggest to our farmers, and 
cattle breeders, the best methods of their production and 
management, but to exalt and ennoble its pursuit to the 
dignity to which it is entitled, in the various departments 
of American agriculture. 

I have contemplated a work of this kind for many years 
past. Indeed, its plan was partly shadowed out near 
twenty years ago ; but on reflection, I made up my mind 
that more personal observation was required than I then 
possessed, and also, that further experience in the use 
of the better, improved breeds of foreign cattle, among 
our farmers and cattle breeders, was desirable, to give thai 
extended range of information which so important an 
interest demanded. 

More than sixty years ago, it was felt by those largely 
engaged in stock growing for beef purposes, that our 
"native" cattle were lamentably deficient in their most 
desirable, as well as profitable qualities, and instead of 
attempting to improve and raise our American, native 



4 PREFACE. 

stock to the desired standard of excellence, the better way 
was to resort to such European breeds as, by a long course 
of intelligent culture, already possessed the properties 
required. It was so with our dairy, or milking stock. 
As a race, they were lamentably deficient in the uniform- 
ity of their milking qualities, and the yields they pro- 
duced. We needed better ones, and to undertake to build 
them up from the miscellaneous herds, composed of all 
congregated mixtures, as they are, without any certain 
basis to commence upon, was a hazardous, and almost 
interminable labor, as well as uncertain mode of proced- 
ure. Hence, numerous importations of the choice breeds 
of foreign cattle have been made, involving an outlay of 
millions of dollars in the aggregate. The propagation of 
these cattle, the success that has attended them, and the 
popularity which they have achieved among our intelli- 
gent farmers, and breeders, has confirmed the wisdom of 
those enterprising men who embarked their capital and 
labor in their introduction. 

Further knowledge in relation to these foreign breeds, 
of their breeding, and rearing, together with their benefi- 
cial uses in elevating the qualities of our old native stock, 
through their adaptability in crossing their blood upon 
them, has now, beyond a question, decided the necessity 
of a book on " American Cattle." Therefore, such as it 
is, this volume goes forth to the public. 



PREFACE. 



I believe it is the first work of the kind, so general in 
its scope of observation, which has been written, collated, 
or published in our country. We have been favored 
with sundry publications, relating to cattle in the way 
of Dairy Cotvs, and some of the departments connected 
with their use — able, useful, instructive publications, too — 
but not comprising so full and general a range of the sub- 
ject as is here proposed. This work is not intended to 
interfere with them ; each may be essential — necessary, 
indeed — to convey all the information which may be 
required on so extensive and ramified a subject 

A book which should embrace all that is here under- 
taken, together with the productive results appertaining to 
neat cattle, as the Dairy, and other economical industries, 
could not well be consolidated into a single, acceptable 
volume. It would involve a more intimate, and wider 
range of experience and observation, than can well be 
combined in one individual effort. So far as suggestion, 
or instruction, is concerned, I have chosen only to take the 
creature from its conception, and carry it through life to 
its proper and ultimate destination — the ox to the yoke, 
the bullock to the shambles, the cow to the pail, or the 
propagation of her young — and there leave them. The 
Dairy, and its management, are referred to other, and 
more competent hands. 

This Preface ought not to be concluded without saying 
that I have gleaned somewhat, much indeed, from the 



6 PREFACE. 

observations, writings, and publications of others, both abroad 
and at home, perhaps more experienced than myself. To such 
I feel largely indebted, and give my acknowledgments. But 
those observations have been scattered in such fragmentary and 
miscellaneous ways, as to be beyond the reach of the inquirer, 
without more labor and expense to combine them into accessible 
form than can well be done by the mass, or even a few of those 
seeking them. 

I trust that here may be found embodied all those various 
materiel which will prove acceptable to the widespread com- 
munity interested in the breeding and improvement of our herds, 
and that they may be benefited by my labors. With this trust, 
the following pages are submitted. 

Buffalo, N. Y., 1868. LEWIS F. ALLEN. 



NOTE TO REVISED EDITION. 

To the foregoing I can only add that the progress of the 
people of the United States in cattle growing and improvement 
has demanded, at the lapse of fourteen years, a new and revised 
edition of this work, taken from continuous observation and 
statistical reports at our government departments in the cen- 
sus enumerations of the years 1870 and 1880, as well as 
additions since the latter date ; also occasional emendations of 
previous notes, facts, and transactions, bringing the materiel of 
this work down to the present date. Some of the subjects of 
the original volume have been omitted as not important for 
further study, and their places have been substituted by matter 
more important. 

Buffalo, N. Y., 1882. LEWIS F. ALLEN. 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION. 
Number of Cattle in the United States and Territories — Value of the same— Value 
of Beef, Butter, Cheese, and Labor of Oxen 11 

CHAPTER I. 
The Climate and Soils of North America, as adapted to the production of Neat 
Cattle 21 

CHAPTER II. 
Seat Cattle — Their History — Misrepresentations by Artists— Spoken of in the Bible — 
In India— In Egypt— Among the Romans — In Europe 25 

CHAPTER HI. 
History of American Cattle — Introduction by the Spanish into Mexico— By the Eng- 
lish into Virginia — By the Dutch into New York— By the English into other 
Colonies 29 

CHAPTER IV. 
Quality, Condition and Appearance of our Native Cattle— Amalgamation of Different 
Breeds — Result of the different mixtures 34 

CHAPTER V. 
The Anatomical and Economical Points of Cattle— Illustration of Points— G»od 
Points— Bad Points— Texan Cattle— Comparison of Good and Poor Cattle. .. 41 

CHAPTER VI. 
'cnproved Breeds of Cattle— What are they f— Cattle of Great Britain— Their Pro- 
gress there— Their Division into Breeds— Improvement in them— Youatt's His- 
tory of them 45 

CHAPTER VII. 
Middle-horned Cattle — The Devons— History — Description— Points— Bull— Cow, as 
a Milker— Ox, as a Worker— As a Beef Animal — Their Introduction to, and Pro- 
gress in America 50 



8 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 
The Herefords— History — Description— Bull— Cow, as a Milker— Ox, as a Worker— 
As a Beef Animal — Their Introduction to, and Progress in America 62 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Long-horns— History— Description— Bull— Cow, as a Milker— Ox, as a Worker— 
As a Beef Animal — Their Introduction into America— Their Extinction here . . 75 

CHAPTER X. 
The Cattle of Scotland— The West Highlands— Their History, and Present Condi- 
tion—Value as Beef Animals— Little Value for the Dairy— Their Fitness for the 
Mountain Ranges and Western Plains of America 85 

CHAPTER XI. 
The Galloways— Their History— Description— Manner of Breeding them — Introduc- 
tion to America— Value as Grazing, and Beef Animals 99 

CHAPTER XII. 
The Ayrshires— Their Origin and History— Description — Improvement in their Breed- 
ing, and Quality for the Dairy— Milk Prodvction— In America — As a Beef Ani- 
mal Ill 

CHAPTER XIII. 
The Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey, or Channel Isi.ind Cattle— Their Origin and His- 
tory — Description— Introduction to America— Value as Milkers — As a Worker, 
and Beef Animal 128 

CHAPTER XIV 

The Short-horns — Their Pretended History by Berry, in Youatt — Their True His- 
tory — Charles and Robert Colling — Short-horns in America — Characteristics — 
Description of them — As a Dairy Cow — As a Working Ox — As a Beef Animal — 
Their Proper Homes — Their Predominance in Vie Herds of Britain 134 

CHAPTER XV. 
The Holstein, or Dutch Cattle — Their History — Description of them — Introduction to 
America — Mr. Chenery's Importations — Their uses — For the Dairy — As a Worker 
— As a Beef Animal— The Holderness 166 

CHAPTER XVI. 
The Spanish, or Texan Cattle— Origin and History— Introduction into Mexico — Mi- 
gration to Texas and California— Description-- F>i ef Qualities — Diseases attend- 
ing them 174 

CHAPTER XVQ. 
What Is the Best Breed of Cattle?— What they r? Wanted for— Each may be the 
Best Breed for Certain Localities 181 



CONTENTS. 9 

CHAPTER XVIH. 
What Constitutes a Good Animal?— Coarse Cattle— Fine Cattle— Beauty— Perfec- 
tion 187 

CHAPTER XIX. 
On Breeding— General Principles— Rules for Good Breeding— In-and-in Breeding- 
Examples— Establishing the Variety as an Improved Breed— Contending Opin- 
ions 192 

CHAPTER XX. 

Treatment of Breeding Cows— Strange Influences— Mistaken Theories— Doctor 
Harvey's Essay — Occasional Barrenness— Professor Tanner's Essay— Mr. E. W. 
Stewart's Remarks — Feeding in Advanced Stages of Pregnancy— Duration of 
Pregnancy 219 

CHAPTER XXI. 
Breeding Grade Cattle for Grazing— Breeding Dairy Cows— Do not Change the 
Breed — Age at which Heifers should be Bred— Rearing and Treatment of 
Bulls 254 

CHAPTER XXII. 
Rearing Stock Calves — Their Treatment— Calves for Veal— Calves Running with the 
Cows — Handling Young Animals — Shelter— Rearing Thorough bred Heifers— In- 
fluencing the Sex of Calves 267 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
Beef Cattle— Differences in Breed — Regularity of Condition— Proper Ages for Fat- 
tening—Modes of Feeding— Shape of Fat Cattle — Cattle in the London Mark- 
ets, by Mr. A. B. Allen— Transportation of Stock to Market— Railway Cattle 
Yards 276 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
Working Oxen — Rearing, Matching, and Training— Devons and Herefords the Best 
Breeds for Labor 293 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Cattle Food— The Grasses— Full Feed and Water— Shade in Pastures— Change of 
Pastures— Winter Forage, and Care of Neat Stock— What Winter Feeding and 
Care of Stock Should be— Barns and Sheds 297 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
Summer Food for Dairy Cows— Pastures— Soiling— Proper Soiling Crops— The Best 
Kind of Corn for Soiling— Mr. E. W. Stewart's Experiments— Condition of Ani- 
mals Soiled— Effect of Soiling upon the Product of Milk— Saving in Fences- 
Saving in Manure— Sa zing in Land— Method of Feeding— Arrangement of Ani- 
mals—Another Experiment— Fall Feeding— Winter Feeding 309 

1* 



10 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 
Sale Milk Dairies— Value of Milk Sold in the City of New York— In the United 
States— Swill Milk— Good Milk— Cooking Food— Why Fodder Should be Cut- 
Mixing Food— Straw Cutters— Values of Different Food— Steam Apparatus— Re- 
sults of Cooking— Experiments, &c 333 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 
Milk Cows— Their Selection— Mr. Magne's Essay on their General Character— Marks 
— Shape — Appearance— Hygienic Conditions— Selections for Breeding— Mr. Hax- 
ton's Modes of Selection— Guenon's Theory, &c . . 365 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
The Common Mode of Obtaining Dairy Cowe— Milking, &c 402 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Value Invested in Cows— Low Average in Production — Dairy Soils— Dairy Factories 
—Dairy Women— Love of Fine Cattle 408 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Miscellaneous— Pregnancy, and What Follows— As Maternity Approaches— Marks 
Indicating Ages of Cattle — Diseases, Treatment, and Cures — Habits and Tricks 
of Cattle— Kicking Cows— Kicking Oxen — Breachy Animals— Cows Sucking 
Themselves— Hooking and Quarreling 415 

CHAPTER XXXII. 
Diseases Proper— Water Treatment— Garget— Puerperal, or Milk Fever— Wounds, 
Bruises, Sprains, &c— Lowson's Treatise on Diseases and Cures 433 

CHAPTER XXXIII 
Castration— Spaying Heifers and Cows— Free-Martins— Drinking Water— Bloody, 
and Curdly Milk— Handling — Proof— Large or Overgrown Cattle 516 



INTRODUCTION. 



That the value of American Neat Cattle, as a branch of 
our agricultural interests, may be fairly understood and 
appreciated, some statistical facts and estimates are sub- 
mitted, as received from the census of the United States 
for the year 1880 : 

The number of milch cows, 12,443,593, being an increase 
of 39 per cent over 1870. 

Working oxen, 993,970, a decrease of 25 per cent, from 
1870, by the substitution of horses and mules in working 
the new and widely-increased prairie farms of the Western 
States and Territories. Although they had increased in 
some of the Southern as well as in the mining and lumber 
States, the greatest declension has been in the Northern and 
Eastern States, where ox labor had largely declined. 

" Other cattle," which may be classed as those in a state 
of growth from calfhood to maturity for milch cows, 
steers for beef, and working oxen, enumerated art 22,488,- 
970, are an increase of 66 per cent, over those of 1870. Al] 
the cattle thus enumerated in the census returns of 1880 
amount to about $36,000,000. These, we presume, were 
taken by the census officers as farm and " ranche " stock, 
not counting the million or more of family cows kept in 
cities, towns and villages throughout the country, which, 
with the entire increases of the whole to the year 1882, may 
be safely put at 14,000,000 cows alone. 



12 INTRODUCTION. 

The value of these fourteen million cows 

for dairy, family and breeding uses, may 

be estimated at $30 each, in the aggregate 

amounting to $420,000,000 

1,000,000 working oxen at $50 each, . . . 50,000,000 
twenty-three million "other" cattle, from 

calf hood to 3 years old, in growth for 

market purposes, in beef, working oxen 

or cows, at $20 each, 460,000,000 

$730,000,000 
To the above may be added full 20,000 head of improved 
breeds of various kinds, used for purposes of elevating the 
qualities of our native stock. These " improved" animals 
sell at prices ranging from $100 to $500, and many of them 
at more than $1,000 each, say $150 average at any age, from 
calf hood to maturity, $3,000,000. 

Also may be numbered many herds of Texan, Cherokee, 
and other low-bred cattle, grazing over the broad ranches 
in millions of square miles of the Western Territories, 
where no census-takers could reach them. That our 
American cattle will foot up full 40,000,000 in number, in 
an aggregate worth of one thousand millions of dollars, is 
not an over-estimate of their value. 

These cattle in the various purposes to which they are 
applied — cows for the production of milk for immediate 
consumption and the manufacture of butter and cheese, as 
well as ultimately closing their lives at the shambles for 
beef; the oxen for labor, also ending at the shambles when 
their labors are done, and the vast droves of " other " cattle 
which find their markets in our large cities, towns and 
villages, for the butcher's stalls and exportation on ship- 
board to foreign countries, either alive or their meats in 



INTRODUCTION. 13 

slaughtered quarters, tallow and hides, demanding immense 
consumption of farm products, and the labor of many 
thousands of people, together with other large expenditures, 
constitute a most important portion of our agricultural 
industry and moneyed capital far exceeding any ordin- 
ary estimate. 

THE PRODUCT OF COWS. 

According to the census returns in the year 1879, the 
quantity of milk sold or sent to butter factories in the 
United States was 529,979,992 gallons. The butter made 
on farms was 777,215,597 pounds. The cheese made in 
farm dairies 27,259,983 pounds. 

Mr. X. A. Willard, probably the best statistician we 
have in dairy products, estimates the quantity of cheese 
now annually made in the United States, in factories and 
farm dairies, at 400,000,000 pounds, and the butter at 
1,200,000,000 pounds. The cheese, estimated at the cur- 
rent prices of the years 1881 and 1882, 10 cents per pound, 
was worth $40,000,000. The butter, at 20 cents per pound, 
a low average estimate, $240,000,000. 

Aside from these amounts, many million pounds of both 
cheese and butter are made in private families for domestic 
consumption, of which no account is taken, besides enor- 
mous quantities of milk in daily private family consump- 
tion, of which no accurate estimate can be made. 

Taken, therefore, the production from milk cows alone, 
we may safely say the annual amount is more than three 
hundred millions of dollars ! 

How many cattle are annually slaughtered, from veals to 
matured growth, it is impossible to exactly estimate, but 
their value may be safely taken at three hundred mil- 
lions of dollars more, making in the grand aggregate of 



I 4 INTRODUCTION. 

cattle production full six hundred millions of dollars every 
year. 

Mr. Willard gives the exports from the city of New York 
of butter in 1880 at 28,188,364 pound*, and in 1881 at 
18,628,351 pounds. 

The cheese exports in 1880 at 123,241,490 pounds, and in 
1881 at 127,141,603 pounds, as taken from the "American 
Dairyman." 

The secretary of the London Board of Trade sends Mr. 
Willard the official statistics of live cattle imported from 
America to England in 1880 and 1881, two years, at 217,- 
632. As these cattle were all of the highest quality of 
bullocks, they may be estimated at $100 each, placed on 
shipboard at the ports of embarkation, worth $21,763,200 
— an average of $10,881,600 per annum. 

To them may be added the immense quantities of fresh 
beef in quarters of carcasses, which are shipped abroad 
weekly. These quarters may safely be counted at thirty 
millions of dollars annually, thus making our yearly ex- 
portation upward of $40,000,000 for beef alone. 

From these enumerated data — inaccurate probably in 
some of their items, but not over-estimated — it will be seen 
how large a portion of our agricultural industry and pro- 
duction is involved in neat cattle, and the necessity of im- 
provement in their breeds to arrive at their most profitable 
development. 

Sixty years ago — say in the year 1822 — the number of 
our cattle, in the foreign improved breeds, were few and 
in restricted localities, scarcely worth enumeration. Our 
native animals, as a rule, were light in weight, inferior 
in their quality of flesh, carelessly bred, and ordinary in 
condition and appearance Exceptions were found in very 
many instances and localities, but such was the general 



INTRODUCTION. 15 

character of our neat stock. Many fine working oxen 
existed in the hands of thrifty farmers ; many good cows 
in domestic dairies, but few systematic practices of working 
their milk into the best qualities of cheese and butter pre- 
vailed. Palatable beef was often found on our farms and 
in our markets, but all these better products were the ex- 
ception and not the rule, taking our entire States into 
the account. Yet, in the progress of years, intelligent men 
have discovered these deficiencies, and a spirit has grad- 
ually been aroused to improve the qualities of our cattle by 
the introduction of foreign breeds, chiefly from Great 
Britain, where necessity had compelled them, in the later 
years of the last century, to the elevation of their ^erds. 

The striking contrasts which these importations, so 
superior to the meaner cattle prevailing in our land, pre- 
sented, soon led to more frequent importations, which have 
rapidly increased into many thousands in numbers of 
various breeds, from time to time, in the hands of intelli- 
gent and spirited breeders, so that at the present time 
various sections of our broad land can exhibit animals 
equal in quality and value to the choicest bloods which the 
world can produce. 

With the opening of railways, the facilities of locomo- 
tion and intercourse throughout our wide regions of terri- 
tory now existing and still rapidly extending, there need be 
no limit to the improvements which can be made in the 
rearing of our neat cattle to the highest perfection in 
their qualities for all purposes required. Yet, compared 
with the rapid progress we have made in other departments 
of agricultural industry and development by improved 
implements and machinery in the cultivation of our crops, 
the cattle industries of the United States have lagged far 
behind, and the inferior droves of territorial cattle in the 



16 INTRODUCTION. 

far west, as well as herds in the States at large nearer home, 
painfully testify to the necessity of raising our stock to the 
standard of excellence which a profitable market requires. 
This latter remark may not be flattering to the many dull 
minds and action which in almost numberless cases prevail 
throughout our widespread grazing lands, but it may 
awaken a new energy among those careless ones, who have 
lagged along the beaten paths of old habits. 

Let us for a moment demonstrate on the article of beef. 
A single cross from a good thorough-bred Short-horn, 
Hereford, or Angus bull on one of our common native 
cows will produce a half-bred steer which, at three years 
old, on the same or a less consumption of food, will weigh 
twenty to twenty-five per cent, more than a native one of 
the same age, and give a better quality of meat, selling at 
a higher price. Take also a single cross from the best milk 
breeds which we now have on the average of our common 
cows, and the dairy production of the half-bred heifers at 
maturity will be increased either in milk or butter in a like 
ratio. Yet not ten per cent, of either our beef or dairy 
animals have thus been improved, so listless have been our 
farmers to advance their own interests. We hope for better 
progress in the future, as the animals to so improve can be 
so easily and cheaply obtained. 

The growing demand for our beef and dairy products in 
European markets within the past few years has stimulated 
our active breeders, graziers and dairymen to unwonted 
efforts in the advance of their herds beyond those of past 
years, not only in the number of animals they may propa- 
gate, but also in the better quality of the flesh of their 
bullocks, and the improvement of their cows for butter and 
cheese production. This has occurred in most of our graz- 
ing and feeding States, where beef is a leading product, as 



INTRODUCTION. 17 

well as in those devoted more to dairy purposes. The 
quality of both those products has been decidedly im- 
proved by various applications, in better methods of feed- 
ing their animals, more nutritious foods and more intelli- 
gent care in the various departments relating to them. 

Another widely extended avenue to the production and 
growth of our American herds has recently opened through 
the newer lands, not only in the Northern and Western 
States, but in the adjacent territories beyond them. Ex- 
tensive ranches, many miles in area, have been surveyed 
and enclosed for the exclusive pasturage of stocks, owned 
by individual parties and associations, far outnumber- 
ing the multitudes possessed by herdsmen of any nations 
in either ancient or modern times. The wide prairies, 
stocked with nutritious native grasses, for ages past 
devoted only to consumption by the vast herds of wild 
buffalo ranging over them, are rapidly becoming the fav- 
orite pasture-grounds of cattle, now partially civilized from 
their heretofore vagrant habits and becoming comparatively 
docije under the various crossings upon them by bulls of 
the better breeds. The products of these extensive herds 
now annually pour their many thousands in number into 
the fertile grain-growing States and are disseminated upon 
the numerous broad farms, either for further preparation 
for available markets, or in their more matured condition 
for immediate consumption. So rapidly is this ranche 
pasturage increasing that within a comparatively short 
time wide areas of those lands where the combined advan- 
tages of grass and water and shade exist will be occupied 
and so remain for such uses until the migration to them 
from the older States shall demand their settlement into 
individual farms for general mixed cultivation, a time yet 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

distant in the entire ranges of those extensive territories. 
It will therefore be readily seen that the United States is 
enabled to furnish almost unlimitable amounts of cattle 
food to the still increasing populations of Europe, and at 
cheaper rates than can be offered from their own closely- 
cultivated farms, while paying a fair profit to their Ameri- 
can owners by the lower value of our lands, and the facility 
by which our locomotive transportations will convey them 
to the seaboard. Thus our Pacific railways will become 
thoroughfares for innumerable cattle cars from beyond the 
Eocky Mountains, and in process of time even China and 
the other densely populous nations of Asia and its islands 
may become markets for our beef and dairy products from 
the Pacific coasts. 

Nor is this an utopian dream of our cattle progress. 
Isolated as we are from the contentions of the European 
nations, enjoying under a free government all the privileges 
and advantages of a high civilization and its attendant 
institutions of progress, we can feed the world in most of 
the consumptive necessaries of food beyond what their own 
limited soils will produce, more nearly as we are to them 
than the far-off lands of Australia, New Zealand, or the 
distant lands of South America, from which we have small 
fears of successful competition. 

We confidently assert that North America is the 
healthiest cattle country in the world! Although our 
climates, in some of their localities, may be severe in winter 
and hot in summer, their atmospheres are clear and brac- 
ing, their waters pure and flowing. No native diseases or 
plagues arise from the soils, which by a reasonable fore- 
sight and care cannot be either prevented or controlled. 
In the exclusive cattle ranges men are educated to their 
distinctive duties as herdsmen, rendering their occupation, 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

although many times arduous, a simple and comparatively 
easy one to pursue. 

Another incentive opens to the increased propagation of 
our Neat Cattle. The United States and its Territories 
now comprise a population of fifty-two millions of people, 
better and more liberally fed in meats than the people of 
any other countries in the universe. The ordinary labor- 
ing classes, with their better wages, and a considerate 
economy, can well afford to consume good meats and provide 
them for their families. Our population, at the recent ratio 
of increase, will, at the census of 1890, count nearly or quite 
sixty millions, with a proportionate consumption of meats 
as at the present time. So, throwing out the demand from 
abroad, our own population must furnish a continuous 
market in both meat and dairy consumption. In view of 
all these considerations, the knowledge of how to improve 
our herds to the highest perfection and profit should be the 
study of every cattle propagator in the land. 

The dairymen, graziers and breeders of common cattle in 
the United States, taken collectively, are as yet only in the 
germ and embryo state of improvement in their herds. It is 
true we count in perhaps a majority of our States as good 
individual animals of the several improved breeds as any 
portions of Europe can produce. These animals are in the 
hands of intelligent, enterprising men ; many of them are 
not farmers, by exclusive occupation, yet alive to the eleva- 
tion for their highest uses of our herds at large — public 
benefactors in truth — well knowing that a profitable result, 
although perhaps slow in attainment, finally awaits their 
endeavors. These spirited men, for fifty or more years in 
the past, have been assiduous and untiring in their efforts 
for our cattle improvement, and with effects beneficial to 
our bovine interests. Still, in the knowledge of all this, 



20 INTRODUCTION. 

we regret to say that our cattle breeders, in the mass, have 
been slow and dilatory in applying the opportunities at 
their hands to buy and appropriate these improved breeds 
to their own advantage. In frequent instances they attend 
the annual exhibitions at the County and State cattle shows. 
They look at the fine animals assembled there and profess to 
admire them, but in the dull lethargy of their natures turn 
away and conclude, in their own minds, that their cattle at 
home, unkempt and unprofitable as they may be, are " good 
enough," and grudging the expenditure of a few extra 
dollars in the purchase of a good bull, to work his blood 
into their produce, they dawdle along in the old beaten 
track of their fathers or neighbors, and raise their sons 
to no higher appreciation of good animals than they them- 
selves possess. Although good agricultural and stock 
papers abound, they neither take them nor read them, 
satisfied that their own past experience is sufficient for 
their future action and welfare. 

The latter remarks may not be flattering, and will per- 
haps be considered hypercritical by some readers, yet an 
experience of forty years in intimate observation among 
the cattle producers in many of our States has convinced 
the writer that they are within the bounds of truth, and, 
could accurate statistics be made, proof positive could be 
recorded. 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE CLIMATES AND SOILS OF NORTH AMERICA, AS ADAPTED TO 
THE PRODUCTION OP NEAT CATTLE. 

In the diversities of climate, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence on 
the north, to the Gulf of Mexico on the south, and from the 
Atlantic Ocean on the east, to the Pacific on the west, with 
the various elevations and depressions of the surfaces of country 
between, we have a range of temperature, the most favorable to 
the production and sustenance of neat cattle in all their best known 
varieties, probably, on the globe. Eminently healthful to those 
foreign breeds inhabiting like climates at home, they have been 
as successfully bred here, where introduced, with less tendencies 
to those diseases which vex them there, while our soils produce 
herbage attractive to their appetites, and favorable to the best 
development of their natures. 

From the Mediterranean on the south, to the Baltic on the 
north ; from the mountains of the upper Rhine in Germany and 
Switzerland, to the western coasts of Ireland, Normandy and 
Spain, the cattle of Europe have crossed the ocean, to find their 
homes in the congenial climates and soils of America, with the 
emigrating people, who reared them in their native lands. 



22 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

In their new homes they have bred and multiplied, with equal, 
if not better success than in the lands they left, although subjected 
to the vicissitudes of change of locality, less care, and in many 
instances, inadequate supplies of forage. The early cattle of 
America had to contend with hardships, like their owners ; but 
surmounting them all, they multiplied and thrived apace, soon 
supplying all the wants of the increasing population, and yielding 
provisions for a growing export trade abroad. In the southern 
countries, they ranged on the fertile plains and sought their food 
throughout the year, ignorant of enclosure, and needless of shel- 
ter, while further north, as the climate became less favorable, and 
more care for their welfare was demanded, they found equally 
congenial homes amid the choicer grasses, and under the more 
comfortable shelter provided by their possessors. 

The virgin soils of a new country are undoubtedly more free 
from diseasing influences, than regions tilled or pastured for many 
centuries. Yet, if annoyed by insects, or subjected to miasmatic 
influences prejudicial to their welfare, in the new settlements, these 
disappear with progressive cultivation, and in the two hundred 
and fifty years of their existence on American soil, taken alto- 
gether, our country has proved the healthiest cattle region in 
the world. Neither " cattle plagues " or other deadly infectious 
diseases have devastated our herds, unless in an occasional in- 
stance by importation from abroad ; and although local disorders 
to some extent have sometimes appeared, a timely care and pre- 
caution have prevented their spread, and stopped their ravages. 

The various soils and elevations of America, furnish in abund- 
ance their choicest food, and the only discretion needed for their 
profitable culture is to select those varieties of cattle best appli- 
cable to the positions they are to occupy, and the uses demanded 
of them. Happily, these varieties are either already at hand, or 
within available reach, and it only needs examination to deter- 
mine the kinds required, and sufficient means to avail ourselves of 



CLIMATES AND SOILS. 23 

their possession. Wild natural grasses, of succulent growth and 
nutritious quality, abound in our prairies and open plains, while 
our wooded regions, reduced to cultivation, readily yield the do- 
mestic grasses in the richest abundance. In our cotton, rice, and 
sugar growing latitudes, where little attention has been given to 
the growth of cattle, or providing the grasses for them, they do 
not thrive so well, but in the hill and mountain districts of those 
States, with a proper regard to their provision, they nourish and 
prove a profitable branch of husbandry. As yet, so intent have 
been the people of the Southern States to seize upon the 
most available portions of the soil for quick returns for their capi- 
tal and labor, that the more elevated regions within them have 
been neglected, until the idea has more or less prevailed, that even 
for neat cattle they were unprofitable. But that delusion is fast 
wearing away. Their climates are eminently healthful, their 
soils, though broken, are good, their valleys are rich, their springs 
and streams pure and abundant, and it only needs an increase of 
their population, and the application of vigorous and intelligent 
labor to convert those salubrious waste districts into the finest of 
pastures and meadows, and speckle them with herds. So, 
extending over all the ranges and spurs of the Alleganies, from 
the mild temperatures of Georgia and Alabama, through the 
Carolinas and Tennessee, the higher degrees of Kentucky, the 
two Virginias, and Pennsylvania, those mountain regions may 
become the great pastural country of the Atlantic States. So, 
also, with the slopes and valleys of the Rocky Mountains and 
Sierra Nevadas of the far West. As in the Highland districts of 
Scotland, and their contiguous islands, and the neighboring Conti- 
nent, but on an immensely larger scale, among all these Ameri- 
can mountains, and plains, the lighter and more active races of 
cattle may breed and range in multitudinous numbers, to be 
driven and fed for market on the lower plains and cultivated 
farms of the more populous grain growing States. 



24 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

As a country, we are in the merest infancy in cattle growing. 
We have no adequate infusion of the best breeds, in their 
variety, with which to populate these unreclaimed lands, if we 
had them reduced to a fitness for occupation. These varieties, 
or breeds, have existed for centuries in Europe, and are now bred 
to such perfection in their good qualities, as the cattle of no 
other portion of the world have attained. 

The domestic animals of all countries, partake more or less of 
a character given to them as the result of the pursuits of the 
people who inhabit them; and let their original race or con- 
dition be what they may, they gradually assimulate to the 
treatment and uses to which they are subjected. The finest 
greyhound, pointer, or spaniel dog, in the hands of an uncivil 
ized American Indian, in the course of generations will become 
the sneaking, savage cur that follows at the heels of his vagrant 
master, so that his once aristocratic lineage can hardly be 
detected. So, the neat cattle, of whatever original or cultivated 
race, no matter if the pure blood of centuries has coursed 
uncontaminated through their veins, may become altogether 
estranged in appearance, by abuse, or the hardships of long and 
neglected endurance. Being thus fortunate, in possessing a 
country, fitted in its various climates, soils, and altitudes for the 
best developement of which the several races of cattle are capa- 
ble, we have only to direct our attention to that extent of culti- 
vation which is necessary to attain the most profitable results. 

To the fitness of the various known breeds, or races of cattle, 
to the different soils, climates, and localities of our wide country, 
we shall address our remarks as we proceed. 



CHAPTER II. 

NEAT CATTLE THEIR HISTORY. 

The genus Bos, as a domesticated animal, has been the use- 
ful and cherished companion of man from the earliest date 
of history, either sacred or profane. That they were highly 
valued in days most ancient, we may know, from their being 
objects of labor, sacrifice, and worship, by different nations and 
people. They were esteemed articles of wealth, and sources of 
prosperity, and were probably cared for and cultivated with 
equal solicitude as any other domestic animal attached to 
husbandry, or of use as food. What was their normal condition 
as to race or breed, as we understand races and breeds, little or 
nothing is known, nor is it necessary that we do know. That 
they were then, in their chief essentials, as now, we have no 
reason to doubt; and that they may have been improved, or 
that they deteriorated in condition as civilization progressed, or 
waned, with the people who held them in subjection, we have 
little reason to question. The hieroglyphics of Egypt, most 
ancient in date, rude as were all their representations of man, 
things, and animals, give us no accurate likeness of what they 
might have been among that ingenious and wonderful people, 
and they were probably as highly cultivated among them as any 
where else in cotemporary times. The earliest representations 
or pictures we have, give them rugged forms, enormous length of 
upright, or spreading horns, and gaunt appearance. The 
climates of the East permitted them to live throughout the year 
in the open air, and we may well suppose that nature supplied 
2 



26 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

them with the rough, long hair necessary for their protection, 
so usually represented in their portraits by the artists of more 
civilized nations. 

In the modern world, among the more highly cultivated 
classes of society, in polite literature it has been considered 
vulgar to talk of cattle, or to illustrate them other than as 
appendages to scenery, landscape, and rural representations 
among a rude and uncultivated people. So, too, with artists. 
The latter have composed cattle scenes, and introduced them as 
accessory to landscapes in their paintings, and so grossly have 
they misrepresented their forms for "artistic effect," as to cari- 
cature and give the ugliest appearances to them. Claude Lor- 
raine, Salvator Rosa, Poussin, and others of the most celebrated 
schools of landscape painting of olden time, as well as Paul 
Potter, Van Ostade, and others of more modern date, made their 
cows, bulls, and oxen vulgar and uncouth in shape, and wretched 
in condition. Even landscape painters of the present day, with 
a silly affectation of "art," will put nothing resembling the 
noble contour of our improved cattle into a picture, but select 
some unhappy brute, depleted with poverty, and unkempt, as 
a wild buffalo in appearance, to give piquancy and effect to their 
drawings. For such slanderers of these noble animals, we have 
no respect whatever, nor for the taste of artists in the way 
of cattle, while yielding an unqualified admiration to their 
fidelity and skill in other subjects. 
yr^Om modern animal painters have done better. Landseer, and 
Herring, among the English artists, have accorded somewhat of 
justice to their objects, while some of the Continental, and 
American artists in that line, have drawn our improved domestic 
animals — cattle as well as others — with admirable truth and 
fairness. 

The ancients had a high respect and admiration for their cattle. 
We cannot admire the Egyptian worship of their ox, apis — a 



NEAT CATTLF. 27 

magnificent tomb of which has been recently exhumed — nor do 
we look with complacency on the present worship of the Brahma 
bull, which has been from time ^immemorial an object of Pagan 
idolatry in India; but it is evident that these subjects of adora- 
tion originated in a most devout appreciation of the admirable 
and useful qualities of the genus to which they belonged. 

The author of the book of Job, which the eminent sacred 
chronologist, Doctor Hales, dates back to the year 2,337 before 
the Christian Era — whether that author was Job himself, or one 
of his cotemporaries — had a most poetic appreciation of the 
value of domestic animals. He makes Job in the days of his 
revived prosperity, the owner of "one thousand yoke of oxen," 
in the enumeration of his great wealth of goods and chattels. 
Jeremiah — B. C. 628 years, in one of his Prophesies — speaks 
of "a fair heifer." Among the Pagan writers, Homer, eighteen 
hundred years before the Christian Era, celebrates the noble 
bullocks with u golden knobs," or balls, "on the tips of their 
horns," and describes the manner of the artisan in putting them 
on. Among the heathen deities, Juno is named as "ox eyed," 
in those clear and liquid features of her countenance. Virgil, 
who wrote his G-eorgiacs just before the birth of Christ, cele- 
brates the beautiful cattle of the Roman Campagnas, and their 
value in the agriculture of the people. 

Oxen were used for labor in husbandry, and more or less in 
commerce, in all countries where neat cattle were kept, and could 
endure the climate well, as being the most convenient beast of 
burden. It is probable that they were bred in their best estate 
by those who used them, and the cows were cultivated for dairy 
and household uses in the family. As they spread west 
and north into the higher latitudes and elevations of Europe, 
they somewhat changed their characters and became, as now 
known there, acclimated and fitted to their new conditions, and 
inured to the habits of the people who kept them. We may 



28 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

suppose, too, that in the severer climates they were afforded 
somewhat of shelter, and more pains-taking in food and treat- 
ment, than in the milder latitudes where they had long ranged, 
and with such increased care, improved in quality and appear- 
ance. They took, possibly, somewhat different shapes, and con- 
formed, more or less, to the uses to which they were subjected. 
The Moors of Spain reared great herds of neat cattle, and from 
them descended the dominant races of Spanish herds. They 
were there the progenitors of the savage and headstrong bulls 
still sacrificed in the arena of bull-fights and picadores. The 
Gauls of France, bred the gentler and more economical forms of 
cattle adapted to a better husbandry. 

By what gradual, peculiar, or natural progresses these Euro- 
pean cattle acquired their present distinctive characteristics, we 
have no definite information. History is either altogether silent 
or obscure on these subjects, and we have no better guide than 
conjecture to inform us. Throughout "Western Europe numerous 
different breeds exist, of diverse qualities, all more or less use- 
ful for the purposes to which they are applied, and profitable to 
the people who breed and rear them. Italy, Prance, Spain, 
Germany. Switzerland, Holland, and other Northern countries, 
each have their peculiar national breeds, while England, Scot- 
land and Ireland have many varieties widely divergent in char- 
acter and appearance. Indeed, it is not necessary, unless for 
speculation or curiosity, that we know the particulars of their 
history or progress, inasmuch as we, in America, are already in 
possession of the best breeds of Western Europe, fully answer- 
ing our own immediate purposes, and have successfully natural- 
ized them on our soils. 



CHAPTER III. 

HISTORY OF AMERICAN CATTLE INTRODUCED BY THE SPAN- 
IARDS INTO MEXICO BY THE ENGLISH INTO VIRGINIA BY 

THE DUTCH INTO NEW YORK BY THE ENGLISH INTO OTHER 

COLONIES. 

It has been said, or conjectured, by some speculative antiqua- 
rians, that neat cattle were introduced to the Continent of 
America by the "Northmen," who are supposed to have made 
a descent on to the coast from North-western Europe some 
centuries before the discovery of the Continent by Columbus. 
This, however, is simply a conjecture, as no cattle were known 
before they were brought out by the Spanish and Portuguese 
emigrants, a few years after the voyages of Columbus. In the 
year 1519, the Spaniard, Cortez, discovered Mexico. He first 
made a landing at Vera Cruz, and not long afterwards pene- 
trated to the City of Mexico, then ruled by Montezuma. The 
object of Cortez and his party was conquest. They were 
accompanied by a troop of horses, on which his cavalry were 
mounted for military purposes ; but we have no account of any 
cattle in his expedition. Mexico soon became a colony of Spain, 
and was rapidly settled by emigrants from that country. Their 
first object was gold, and trade with the natives, and to theii 
acquisitions followed agriculture, which brought in cattle from 
Spain. 

We may suppose that cattle were introduced there as early as 
the year 1525, and in the mild climate and abundant pasturage 
which the country afforded, they rapidly increased. As Mexico 
became peopled and spread her population along the coast, and 



30 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

into the interior, in the course of time Texas was reached, and 
there were spread the foundations for the immense herds of 
Mexican, or, as we now call them, Texan cattle. California 
was afterwards settled by the Spanish Mexicans, who drove their 
cattle thither, and in time, scattered over it numerous herds. 
Of these we will speak hereafter. 

In what are now the "United States," the first English colo- 
nial settlement was made in Virginia, on the James river, in 
the year 1607, by a colony of a hundred men, which, by suffer- 
ing, disease, and want of food, was reduced within a year, to 
thirty-eight. In 1609, by new emigrations, the colony was 
increased to five hundred persons; but in a few months they 
were reduced by death to sixty. Many cows were carried from 
the West India Islands to Virginia in 1610, and 1611. In suc- 
ceeding years more adventurers came out, but in 1622, three 
hundred and forty-seven men, women and children were massa- 
cred by Indians, and the colony, in effect, broken up. Whether 
their cattle were also destroyed, we have no account; but the 
settlement was soon after renewed under better auspices and 
protection, and neat cattle were further introduced and 
propagated. 

New York was first settled in the year 1614, by the Dutch. 
That colony, after some vicissitudes, prospered. The first 
importation of neat cattle there, is said to have been in the year 
1625, from the mother country, Holland, and they rapidly in- 
creased in numbers, both in breeding and further importation. 

In 1620, the English Plymouth colony landed in Massachu- 
setts. In 1623, further English colonies came out and settled at 
Boston, and in New Hampshire. In 1624, the first arrival of 
cattle entered Massachusetts Bay. These were soon followed 
by other arrivals. New Jersey was settled by the Dutch in 
1624, and Delaware by the Swedes in 1627, who brought cattle 
with them. The early records of New Hampshire state that in 



INTRODUCED Bl THE ENGLISH. 31 

the years 1631, '32 and '33, Captain John Mason made several 
importations of cattle into that State from Denmark, to supply 
the Danish emigrants who had settled on the Piscataqua river. 
These Danish cattle were coarse, large beasts, and yellowish in 
color. Settlements were made in Maryland in 1633; in North 
and South Carolina in 1660 and 1670; and in Pennsylvania in 
1682, all by the English, who either with the first settlers, or 
soon after, brought cattle over, chiefly from the counties nearest 
the ports from which they sailed. In all probability, numerous 
importations of cattle were annually made into the several col- 
onies, during successive years, as the emigrants came in rapidly, 
and the few early importations, with their increase, were insuf- 
ficient to supply their wants. That cattle multiplied, both by 
natural increase and importation, is evident. We see it recorded, 
that in the year 1636, a party of emigrants went out to settle 
the town of Northboro, Massachusetts, thirty miles west of 
Boston, and in a company of one hundred men, women and 
children, they drove with them one hundred and sixty cattle — 
and that was but twelve years after the first importation into 
the colony. 

From these diverse and miscellaneous beginnings, our 
" native " cattle originated. Of what distinctive breeds they were 
selected, if selected with reference to breed at all, we have no 
information, nor, at this distance of time, can we be at all certain. 
Distinct breeds did then exist, well defined in their characteris- 
tics, both in England, and Scotland, and we are to presume, that 
needy and necessitous as the emigrants mostly were — going out 
for "conscience sake," as many of them did, and in a hope to 
better their fortunes with all — they paid little regard to breed 
or race in their cattle, so that they gave milk, performed labor, 
and propagated their kind. 

As the colonists grew in numbers, and prospered in gear, 
their cattle, now become a leading branch of husbandry, aided 



32 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

much in their subsistence. Families of considerable wealth from 
"home," began to add their numbers to the earlier emigrants, and 
brought with them domestic stock of various kind, provided them 
forage, and gave them shelter, and in some instances, probably, 
selected choice specimens from favorite breeds in the localities 
from whence they came, with which to improve those previously 
imported, or their descendants, the then native herds. But in a 
new country, harrassed by hostile savages, difficult of locomo- 
tion and intercourse with each other in distant settlements, their 
cattle were localized and confined to their own immediate neigh- 
borhoods, pushing out into new districts only with the adventur- 
ous parties forming settlements, where they could, of necessity, 
pay little attention to selection or "improvement" in their herds. 
They took such as they had, or such as they could get, at the 
least possible cost, as "browse" for the first few years was their 
principal forage in winter, "leeks" in spring, and coarse grass 
in summer and autumn for pasturage. The best they could do 
was to provide food for their families, and let their cattle shift 
for themselves. We presume however, that the earlier colonists, 
having become well settled and thrifty in circumstances, cared 
well for their herds and measurably improved their quality. 

Thus, undoubtedly, stood the condition of the neat cattle of 
the colonies down into the years 1700, and after. We have 
accounts that, as the merchants of the sea-coast towns grew 
rich, some enterprising ones made importations of choice breeds 
from England, which were driven into the country neighbor- 
hoods, and very considerably benefited their common stock. 

In the year 1608, Quebec, in Lower Canada, was founded by 
the French, and soon afterwards, colonists came in consider- 
able numbers from the western coast of France, and brought 
with them the little Normandy, or Brittany cattle, closely allied 
in blood, appearance, and quality, to the "Alderney" cows of the 
Channel Islands. They are now propagated in all Lower 



INTRODUCED BY THE FRENCH. 33 

Canada, and throughout the many ancient French seignories in 
large numbers, forming their principal stock of neat cattle. 
They proved excellent milkers, hardy, easy of keep, and profit- 
able for the dairy. They are also tolerable for the yoke, and 
for beef. In their remote distance, and limited intercourse with 
the people of the English colonies, it is not probable that their 
herds became intermixed. We have no accounts of the kind, and 
the peculiar characteristics of the cattle now there, after nearly 
two hundred years of acclimation and breeding, show no rela- 
tions with the New England stock of our Northern States. 



2* 



CHAPTER IV. 

QUALITY, CONDITION, AND APPEARANCE OF OUR NATIVE CATTLE 

To arrive at a full understanding of the varied charactei 
which our American cattle present to a discriminating eye, we 
must know something of the prevailing breeds of the several 
European localities from which their progenitors were derived. 
For the present, we leave out the Spanish cattle of Mexico, as 
they are localized only in the far South-west, and do not com- 
prise any considerable portion of our ordinary herds. They are 
now driven into the upper States, in few numbers, only for 
slaughter, and are not recognized as belonging to our "native" 
stock. 

The Dutch settlers of New York brought their first cattle 
from Holland. Those cattle then, as now, were distinctive in 
their appearance, of fair size, roughly formed, black and white 
mostly, in color, with red occasionally intermixed; short, stubbed, 
and crumpled in the horn ; good milkers, and generally useful ani- 
mals. These cattle, for many years, followed the Dutch settle- 
ments along up the valley of the Hudson river and its tributaries, 
and became the chief stock of those localities. 

We know little of the early cattle of Virginia, only that they 
came from the West Indies, and England; but as the eastern sec- 
tions of the State were not a pastoral country, cattle were only a 
secondary interest in the agriculture of the people, and little 
attention was paid to their improvement. The Swedes brought 
some cattle with them into Delaware — of what character we are 
uninformed — but as they were soon superceded by the English, 



APPEARANCE OF NATIVE CATTLE. 35 

no doubt the herds 01 tne latter became the leading stock. The 
early English settlers of the Carolinas brought cattle with them 
from their native land, and although numbers of the Huguenots 
from France followed them, and probably brought French cattle 
from Normandy, the English stock became the predominating 
race. North, and east of New York, the first settlements were 
mostly English, followed afterwards by a few Scotch, and 
occasionally by Protestants from the Norbh of Ireland, and 
some Danes, into New Hampshire, and Maine. Thus the great 
preponderance of the early importations of cattle were from 
Britain, and as the Dutch colony of New York was subdued 
and occupied by the English in the year 1664, after which the 
New England people poured rapidly into the territory immedi- 
ately adjoining their different settlements, we may suppose their 
neat stock followed and became the predominating cattle of their 
districts. Thus, the cattle of the colonies were mainly of 
British origin. 

In a country of salubrious climate, a genial soil, in the hands 
of industrious and pains-taking people, with an eye to thrift, 
their neat cattle multiplied rapidly, and we may suppose, that 
after a fifty years' settlement, they required few further importa- 
tions. From what parts of England, or Scotland, and of what 
particular breeds these importations were derived, judging from 
their appearances at a later day, may become a question. We 
have noticed the characteristics of the early Dutch cattle, and 
even at the present day, strong resemblances to them are found 
in some of the localities where the descendants of the settlers 
from Holland still remain. Some inquirers have with great con- 
fidence asserted, judging from the cleaner limbs, the red color, 
and activity of the working oxen of New England, that the 
Devons were the original stock of its colonies, fortified by tho 
fact that the first settlers were from Plymouth, a city of Devon- 
shire, on the western coast of England, the favored home of 



36 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

that breed. But, in answer to that conclusion, the first cattle 
were imported into Boston, four years later than the Plymouth 
colony, and Boston was called after a town in Lincolnshire, on 
the eastern coast of England, though history is silent as to the 
particular localities from which these cattle were drawn. It is 
safe to conclude that the various importations were selected from 
the counties nearest the ports where the animals were shipped, 
and were of such character as the people selecting them had 
been accustomed, or were partial to, and that the herds thus 
brought out were an aggregation of several of the different 
breeds, which, once in the colonies, became intermixed in all 
possible degrees, without regard to their original stock, and 
taking such character as the fancy or taste of their different 
owners preferred. Hence, they became here a mixed race, par- 
taking more or less in appearance of their original blood, some 
predominating over others. 

The Devons, red in color, clean limbed, and sprightly in 
action, undoubtedly came over, and were many in number, as 
their descendants, more or less strong in the original blood, have 
shown. The Herefords, also, were here, with their larger bodies, 
white faces and throats. The coarser short-horns of Lincoln- 
shire, from its own port of Boston, came too, with great car- 
casses, loosely put together, mixed colors, bountiful in milk, and 
strong for labor. The long-horns from Lancashire, shipped at 
its port of Liverpool, occasionally came out, as shown in many 
New England cattle late in the last century, and early in this. 
The polled, or hornless cows of Suffolk, and Norfolk, and possi- 
bly some Galloways from Scotland, came, as their descendants 
are still seen in the numerous polled cattle of Long Island, New 
Jersey, and a few other localities. With many people these 
polled cows, famous for milk, are decided favorites. It is probable, 
also, that an occasional shipment of Alderney, or the Channel 
Island cattle, was made from the coast of Hampshire, where 



CONDITION OF NATIVE CATTLE. 37 

they have long been kept, and now and then a Kyloe, from the 
South of Scotland. From all these sources, our native cattle 
originated, and so strongly have their different characteristics 
prevailed, that even now, in the localities where they have long 
been kept, an occasional one may be found in which a prepon- 
derance of the original blood "crops out," denoting its proba- 
ble descent. 

As emigration proceeded from the eastern coast to the 
interior, their neat cattle went with the people, intermixing 
still more in their new and scattered localities, until they became 
an indefinite compound of all their original breeds, and compos- 
ing, as we now find them, a multitude of all possible sorts, 
colors, shapes and sizes. Thus our "native cattle," as we call 
them, have no distinctive character, or quality, although in some 
of the States, as a stock, they are better than in others. In the 
rough lands of New England where oxen were, and are still 
chiefly used for farm labor, and the dairy has long been an 
important branch of agricultural industry, their oxen are admir- 
able for work, and their cows celebrated for their dairy qualities. 
They had also been bred with more care to selection than in 
almost any other section. The farmers preferred the red color, 
and high, spreading horns, leaning more towards the Devons, and 
Herefords. In fact, during the last century, and the earlier part 
of the present, the New England cattle were spoken of by 
many partial admirers as a "breed," so carefully had certain 
qualities been cultivated in them by their breeders. The "South 
Branch" of the Potomac, in "Western Virginia, a broad, fertile, 
and fine pastoral region, has long been, down to a late day, 
celebrated for its fine cattle. From them sprung the well-known 
herds of the "Blue Grass" regions of Kentucky, and the Scioto 
valley, famous in the Philadelphia and Baltimore markets as 
beef cattle, before the short-horns of the "Patton stock," and 
the "importations of 1817" were sent among them. 



38 AMEKICAN CATTLE. 

The best cattle have not always followed the best lands. 
Those people who planted themselves in the finer grain growing 
regions of the interior, although using oxen for labor, more or 
less, until their farms were subdued and brought into easier cul- 
tivation, abandoned them for horses, as beasts of labor, and 
became indifferent to any selection of breeds; and as they did 
not become graziers, or dairymen, except for domestic use, and 
the supply of the local markets with beef and butter, they paid 
little attention to their cows, in comparison with those who made 
beef, and butter, and cheese their chief staples; thus their cattle 
stock was inferior. It was so with the planting interests of the 
South; cattle became a secondary object throughout the Mid- 
dle and Southern States, and so remained until a comparatively 
recent time. 

The result of all these indefinite and purposeless intermixtures 
of breed is now daily seen in herds which are brought into our 
eastern markets, from the principal stock growing States — a 
huge preponderance of inferior animals, both bullocks and cows. 
They are of all possible shapes, colors, and character, from the 
very worst to tolerably good, except in those districts where 
"improved" blood has been introduced, and better care in breed- 
ing and keeping has been practiced. There, really fine cattle 
are to be found. The chief defects of these common cattle are 
in their lack of early maturity, (requiring five to seven years to 
mature them,) hard "handling," prominence of bone, a large pro- 
portion of offal to flesh, and an uncertainty both as to the quan- 
tity and quality of milk with the cows — all resulting from 
negligence, and want of care in breeding and using them. It 
would appear from the looks of these animals, that the best bull 
calves — if there were any best about them — were made into 
steers, and the meanest kept for propagating their race, and the 
best heifers, tending to early maturity, were turned into beef, 
while the worst were reserved for breeding, and the dairy. 



PROFITS OF NATIVE CATTLE. 39 

Such might be supposed the rule. That there have been, and 
still are, many exceptions to the above somewhat broad remark, 
is admitted, but these exceptions are of stock belonging to pains- 
taking individuals and communities in the best cattle rearing 
districts, rather than among the farmers generally. 

As to the profit of breeding, rearing, and fattening cattle of 
the lower qualities above noticed, perhaps the less said the 
better. That there was not, and is not any profit in them, com- 
pared with well selected, and well bred animals of the kind, is 
certain. They are great consumers of food in proportion to the 
flesh they carry, as a beef animal; and although numerous 
instances of wonderful feats at the pail have been recorded of 
the cows, yet the uncertainty of even these good cows pro- 
ducing an offspring equally meritorious, has been an utter bar to 
establishing a race, from among themselves, of superior, or even 
standard value for the dairy. It is a chance medley affair 
altogether — a mere ticket in a lottery, the chances of drawing 
a blank greater than that of a prize. 

To the farmer, then, desirous of getting a foundation for a 
profitable stock, either for beef, working oxen, or the dairy, 
from such incongruous intermixtures, his chances are, at the best, 
precarious. He may make selections from them, perhaps, which 
will promise something, and by a long course of pains-taking he 
may improve them to some perceptible extent; but at the end 
of a lifetime he will find the same things on his hands at last. 
Thus, his efforts will prove, in the absence of really good breeds 
crossed upon them, a failure. That he may make selections 
ot cows from such stock, on which, with the use of bulls of good 
established breeds, he can build up valuable herds for the sham- 
bles, the yoke, and the dairy, is certain. These native cows, 
from the necessities of the case, must be the foundation on 
which he must rely for that purpose, the manner of which we 
shall more thoroughly discuss hereafter. 



40 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

In summing up the foregoing remarks, the reader will conclude 
that the writer has little affection for our "native" cattle. In 
the mass, he has not. Yet there are wide and numerous excep- 
tions, and among these exceptions we can name no definite class 
of the natives among which to particularize. Our choice would 
be of individual animals only, not of herds taken as they run. 
Even on those of our choice, we would not rely for improvement 
by breeding among themselves only, but by the introduction of 
pure bred bulls of some established breed, would we look for 
permanent progress in our herds. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE ANATOMICAL AND ECONOMICAL POINTS OF CATTLE. 



As a good deal will hereafter necessarily be said upon the 
various points of cattle, an illustration of them is given in the 
animal itself. It is the outline side view of a well bred short- 
horn ox, but applicable to any other breed — or no breed — as 
well, and will show the various parts more or less valuable as a 
consumable article, or as delineating qualities, the prominence in 
which, in either sex, may render them desirable for the uses 
which are to be made of them. 




A— Forehead. 

B— Face. 

C— Cheek. 

D— Muzzle. 

E— Neck. 

F — Neck vein. 

G — Shoulder point. 

H— Arm. 

I— Shank. 



Plate 1. 

REFERENCES. 

J — Hock, or gamhril. 

K— Elbow. 

L— Brisket, or breast. 

M — Shoulder. 

N — Crops. 

O— Loin. 

P— Hip. 

Q— Crupper bone. 

R — Rump. 






S— Round bone. 

T— Buttock. 

U — Thigh, or gaskit. 

V— Flank. 

W— Plates. 

X— Ba-ck, or chine. 

Y— Throat. 

Z— Chest. 



42 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

These points it is necessary that every cattle manager should 
understand, as they are the marks which, in their development, 
or absence, make up a great share of the value, or beauty, or 
ugliness of shape of the animal. The prominence of these 
points vary in the different breeds, or races. They also indi- 
cate, measurably, to what uses, and to what soils, the animals 
more strongly showing them, are best adapted, and a familiarity 
with the terms necessary to mark the criticisms which breeders 
or graziers may make on them. 

A rear view of the animal, which is hardly necessary to give, 
would develop another point which is omitted in the diagram, 
viz.: The "twist," or junction of the thighs, the proper position 
of which, high or low, is quite important in adding to or sub- 
tracting from the value of the beast. The point is named here, 
as a reference may frequently be made to it hereafter. 

The true value of an animal for beef purposes, depends oil 
its lightness of "offal" when slaughtered, in comparison with its 
flesh; therefore the less bone, and poor flesh, the better. A 
coarse and open bone, by which is meant an undue growth and 
protuberance of that portion of the carcass, carries with it less 
valuable flesh than a fine, compact bone; therefore no more 
bone is necessary than, in its proper position and development, 
will give the substance and breadth necessary to carry the 
amount of flesh required. Some cattle are so loosely, or sleazily 
put together that the ligaments necessary to connect the dif- 
ferent parts of their bodies are unnecessarily large, making tough 
meat, though ever so well fed; thus rough, coarse animals are- 
unprofitable in every way, as they are large consumers of food, 
and weigh less at slaughtering than the more compact ones of 
less apparent size, while their flesh is of inferior quality. Coarse 
bone bears more offal (bone is offal,) in worthless flesh, in pro- 
portion to live weight, than fine bone does. Coarse bone gives 
more dewlap, and loose skin, than fine, and as the hide is usually 



ECONOMICAL POINTS. 43 

of less value than flesh, an undue weight of hide is unprofitable. 
Coarse bone gives less tallow, too, a larger belly, more paunch, 
and less lungs, besides more "daylight" under the carcass — all 
bad points. In short, a coarse, rough boned beast is bad, all 
round, while a smooth, fine bone, properly placed, is a great 
excellence, either in a bullock for slaughter, a working ox, or a 
milking cow ; and this fineness should prevail throughout, from 
the muzzle to the tail, and the hoofs. As a rule, strength, 
activity, and good constitution accompany fine boned animals, 
while comparative weakness, sluggishness, and tendency to 
disease accompany large boned ones. Horn is offal; therefore 
an undue development of it is worthless — not only worthless, 
but a damage, and like bone, an utter loss in the weight of car- 
cass. Hide being of less value, no greater development of that 
material is needed than to answer its purpose of protection to 
the flesh and muscle beneath it; therefore a rough, thick, and 
heavy hide is a bad point; yet whatever the hide may be, it 
should be sufficiently loose and flexible to the touch to indicate 
an elastic flesh within it. The head — usually all offal — is in 
most instances a fair indication of the character of a beast. 
A coarse, bony head almost always accompanies a coarse boned 
body, and a comely, handsome head a fine boned one. So with 
the tail, coarse or fine, as the creature itself may be. 

Having given a diagram of a comely, well bred beast, we 
now refer to some decidedly bad ones. It might be considered 
hardly worth while to do so, when one can so readily find them 
out of doors, but for ready comparison we refer to the cut of 
Texan cattle in another place, and the analysis of points just 
given in the good beast, may be applied to them to mark the 
difference. 

In the Texan cattle, their deficiencies throughout are seen 
in striking contrast to the firm, even fleshed carcass of the other. 
The flat rib, narrow chest, ragged dewlap, thin flank, long leg, 



44 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

and the looseness of the anatomy generally, contrasted with 
the round springing rib, wide chest, clean neck, deep flank, 
short leg, and compact carcass of the other, shows the superi- 
ority of the latter in every way, so that the merest neophyte 
cannot mistake the difference; yet the spectator in our cattle 
markets will see many more bad specimens than good ones, and 
many of the bad not much better than the Texans; or, if all 
their unnecessary offal, by extraordinary pains and feeding, be 
covered with a reasonable quantity of flesh, it is done at a 
great waste of good fodder. 

Men inured by long habit to a partiality for the common 
cattle, always contending that "the breed is in the mouth," and 
blindly averse to all improvement, may insist on the equality 
of their rough beasts to the finer ones. But it is of no use. 
Measured by the scales, both animal and food, and the time it 
takes to bring the creature to the block — the only way to settle 
the matter — they must be unprofitable; and, compared with 
improved animals, the time, labor, and food bestowed on them 
by their owners, is measurably lost. Our beef eating population 
— and almost all are such — know the difference between the 
good and poor article. They will take the one at a good price, 
provided the article can be had at all, and reject the other at 
a lower one. Our agriculture is now sufficiently advanced to 
breed and rear good animals, while the poor should be discarded ; 
and it is a waste of both time and money to adhere to the 
poor, so long as the valuable ones can be procured. Nothing 
but sheer ignorance, or obstinacy, can be an apology for adhering 
to a bad practice in anything; and when only a common dili- 
gence and foresight is necessary to acquire the good, he who 
doggedly persists in the bad, deserves little sympathy, either for 
his want of success, or absolute losses. 



CHAPTER VI. 

IMPROVED BREEDS OF CATTLE WHAT ARE THEY? 

Having demonstrated — satisfactorily, we trust — the absence 
of a due utility in the common cattle of our country, and the 
need of something better, we arrive at the consideration of 
those distinct breeds, of foreign origin, which are to aid in 
exalting our herds to those points of excellence so eagerly 
desired by all who appreciate our singular advantages of soil 
and climate for the attainment of that object. 

It is no new thing to say that Great Britain in its insular 
position, its redundant population, its energetic enterprise, and 
the absolute necessity which has compelled the development of 
every resource at command to improve the condition of its agri- 
culture, stands in advance of all nations with which we are 
acquainted, in the excellence of its neat cattle. Its enlightened 
land holders and farmers have taken the different local breeds 
long familiar to their various districts, and by a wise selection, 
care in breeding, and the application of proper food and treat- 
ment, produced specimens of bovine excellence at once the 
admiration, and worthy the imitation of all who aspire to equally 
high attainments in their stock. We say this in no fulsome 
laudation, but with a settled conviction of the fact. We have 
tested in our own country, the results of their efforts in the 
improvement of their various breeds of cattle, and finding 
them to answer our purposes equally well, it is wise in us to 
follow their example as it was discreet in them, for their own 
benefit, to become our models. Satisfied, therefore, that we 



46 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

cannot resort to a better source for the purposes we seek, a 
description of several of their most approved breeds is necessary, 
that their application to our uses may be understood, and on 
due consideration, adopted. 

Great Britain is an old country. England — all, probably, 
of it that was worth the conquest — was invaded and possessed 
by the Romans before the Christian Era. It was held by them 
so long as they had the power, and until the unconquered spirit 
of the ancient Britons, after near four centuries of Roman rule, 
drove the more civilized invaders out and re-established their 
own authority. Barbarians, when the Romans invaded them, 
comparative barbarism still held sway over the people when the 
Romans went out. The adjoining and even less civilized people 
of Scotland, were hardly worth a conquest by the Romans, had 
they sought it. They held their own mountain fastnesses and 
barren islands, and only suffered by the occasional inroads of 
the neighboring continental invaders, who long afterwards rav- 
aged England. With the conquering Saxons, in the fifth cen- 
tury, came into England some better dawnings of civilization 
and progress in the arts of life; but with the invasion of the 
Normans in the eleventh century, under the first William, began 
the progress which has since advanced England, and afterward 
Scotland, to a higher civilization, and their agriculture to a 
more perfect condition than that of any other country in Europe. 

Cattle, always numerous in England, furnished the people with 
food in their flesh, and partial clothing in their skins. They 
were exported to countries abroad, with various other articles of 
commerce, under the dominion of the Romans. While the 
Danes were ravaging England with varied success under the 
Saxon rule, cattle were brought in from the neighboring conti- 
nent, and also exported from the island. They were kept in 
such numbers as to be a considerable portion of the wealth of 
the people, and oxen were much used for labor With the 



IMPROVED BREEDS. 47 

dominion of the Normans, came the division of the land into the 
great estates given to the retainers of the Conqueror, and the 
gradual subdivision and settlement of these estates into farms, 
the establishment of a tenantry, and after a long time, an 
improvement in their agriculture. There was little intercourse 
among the people belonging to different localities. Roads were 
few and bad; for some centuries, the tenants mostly paid their 
rent in kind. Of the cattle reared on the farms, the surplus 
were chiefly driven away by dealers who purchased them of the 
farmer at his own door, or at the neighboring cattle fair. The 
home herds were thus localized, and became indigenous to the 
soils on which they were reared. Hence breeds were gradually 
established in different districts, or localities, although their pecu- 
liarities may have followed them from remote periods, or been 
introduced from abroad. So they descended, and we hear little 
of them, or their improvement, until a late period in the history 
of British agriculture. 

Early after the year 1700, when Great Britain had become 
one of the first commercial nations, her commerce whitening 
every sea, and her foreign conquests and colonial settlements 
reaching various quarters of the globe, her manufactures become 
a source of great national wealth, and the enclosure of her 
waste lands and the highest improvement of her acres had 
become indispensable to the welfare of the people, we begin to 
hear of the improvement of her breeds of cattle. Many papers 
and books have been written about these breeds by various 
authors, some in the last century, and more in the present. 
Among all the authors, Youatt, the most elaborate, and discrimi- 
nating in races, and breeds, together with the compilations of 
their several histories — so far as he could find them — has been 
the chief. This author, a man of education and a Veterinary 
Surgeon, living in the vicinity of London, was employed by 
"The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge" to com- 



48 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

pile a work on "British Cattle." The book is chiefly compiled 
from various contributions sent to him by men of knowledge 
and experience on the subject, with accounts obtained from 
other authors, and their publications, aided by personal observa- 
tions of his own. It is an excellent book, on the whole, and 
contains, probably, a more correct body of information in that 
line than can be drawn from any other individual source, though 
not altogether free from error, or prejudice. We have drawn a 
share of our information from Youau, some from other well- 
known British writers of the last century, others in the present 
century, as well as some from American writers. We do not 
name all our authorities — very few, indeed — as many of them 
were authorities to Youatt, as well as to our own writers, and 
we find more or less of them quoted and repeated by all. It 
is sufficient to say, that we have examined and analyzed, with 
much care, these various authorities, preserving such as bore the 
semblance of truth and probability in their accounts, and reject- 
ing those only, not necessary to our purpose. 

British cattle, by general consent of these authors, appear t<~> 
be subdivided into four distinct classes — the middle-horned, long 
horned, short-horned, and polled, or hornless. They all have, 01 
until recently, had their own various localities and districts in 
the several parts of England and Scotland, where they have 
existed from a remote period. Each were favorites among the 
farmers and breeders of their homes, rarely taken out of their 
districts, except for market, and until after the middle of the last 
century, like the people who reared them, strangers to other 
parts of the kingdom, and migrating back and forth no farther 
than to the nearest market towns, or district fairs. Thus they 
became homogeneous, deeply interbred among their own tribes, 
and closely retaining their own distinctive qualities, uncontami- 
nated by the blood of other breeds, and transmitting their quali- 
ties and characteristics with a pertinacity and truth, of which 



IMPROVED BREEDS. 49 

those giving the subject little study, can scarce realize. As such 
they have come to us, and only as such we know them. 

We commence a description of the different breeds, which our 
volume is intended to enumerate, with the middle-horned 
breeds of England; and first of these, take that one appa- 
rently most ancient in lineage. 



CHAPTER VII. 

MIDDLE-HORNED CATTLE THE DEVONS. 

This beautiful race has been considered, by some authors, 
aboriginal, and are claimed to have been known in England at 
the time of its invasion by the Romans. It is certain that their 
fineness of limb, uniformity of color, delicacy of proportion, and 
depth of breeding, give them claims to a distinction which no 
other race of English cattle exhibit; and be the fact of their 
remote origin as it may, there is no necessity of disputing it, or 
speculating on other probabilities. They are like no others, and 
by no intermixture of any other known breeds have they been, 
or can they be produced. 

In what degrees of excellence the Devons existed during past 
centuries, we are unable to say ; but that they possessed valuable 
qualities which endeared them strongly to the people who bred 
them is certain. Great attention has been paid to their improve- 
ment during a century past, and probably not neglected for 
centuries before. Not a single infusion of the blood of other 
known cattle can be detected in them, and for their improve- 
ment, as Devons, none other can be devised. In the good judg- 
ment, sagacity, skill, care, and pains-taking of their breeders 
alone, must be sought the means by which they stand in their 
present condition of excellence and beauty. 

As no written description can convey to the unpracticed eye 
their exact appearance, we shall illustrate them by accurate 
portraits, taken from life, and as the portraits cannot show them 
in all their points, a more particular description is added. 



THE DEVONS. 



51 



The head — lean in flesh, is rather short, the forehead broad, the 
face slightly dishing, and tapering gracefully to a fine, clean, 
yellow muzzle. The eye — bright, prominent, and surrounded by 
a ring of orange colored, or yellow skin. The 'horn — upright, 




Plate 2. Devon Bull. 

and curving outward, cream colored, black at the tips, graceful in 
its setting, and rather long, for the size of the animal. The 
ear — well set, and lively in action. The neck — on a level (in 
the bull slightly arching) with the head and shoulders; full at 
its junction with the breast, clean, and without dewlap. The 
shoulders — fine, open, (somewhat slanting, like those of the 
horse,) and on a level with the back. The neck-vein — full, and 
smooth. The arm — delicate, and the leg below the knee, small, 
terminating in a clean, dull brown, and somewhat striped hoof. 
The brisket — full, and projecting well forward. The crops — 
well filled, and even with the shoulders. The back — straight 
from the shoulders to the tail. The ribs — springing out roundly 
from the back, and running low down, to enclose a full chest. 



52 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

and setting well back towards the hips, giving a snug, neat 
belly. The flanks — full, and low. The hips — wide, and level 
with the back. The loin — full, and level. The thigh — well 
fleshed and full, the lower part somewhat thin, and gracefully 
tapering to the hock; the leg below, small, flat, and sinewy. 
The twist — (the space between the thighs) well let down, and 
open. The tail — taper, like a drum stick, and terminating with 
a brush of white hair. The color — invariably a cherry red, 
sometimes showing a lighter, or deeper shade, and the skin, 
under the hair, a rich cream color. The bull, of course, will 
show the stronger, and masculine character of his sex, while the 
ox will develop the finer points of his condition, and the cow, all 
the delicacy and refinement belonging to her race. 

In the roundness, and fullness which accompany the proper 
development of the points named, the silky, wavy laying of the 
hair, and the elastic touch of the flesh as the finger is pressed 
upon it, every beholder will at once see, in appearance, a most 
bloodlike and graceful animal. 

In size, the Devon is medium, compared with our native cattle. 
A well grown ox, in good working condition, will range from 
1,400 to 1,600 pounds live weight. The bull from 1,000 to 
1,200, and the cow from 800 to 1,000 pounds. They sometimes 
exceed the heaviest of these weights, but such are the average. 
Fatted to a high degree, they will, of course, weigh heavier. 
In size, it is said, in England, that they are larger than they 
were a hundred years ago, before the attention of their breeders 
was thoroughly attracted to their improvement. From time 
immemorial they were chiefly bred in the northerly part of 
Devonshire, (and thus called North Devons,) one of the south- 
western counties, in a mild climate, abounding in good pasturage. 
They have since spread into the adjoining counties, and many 
years ago, (within the present century,) were taken into tho 
higher county of Norfolk, on the Eastern Coast, by the late Earl 



THE DEVONS. 53 

of Leicester, (then the noted Mr. Coke, of Holkham, a distin- 
guished farmer, and landed proprietor,) as he considered them 
eminently fitted for grazing on the light sandy soil of his estates. 
They are now bred in many other counties of England, and 
are decided favorites on hilly soils, where their lighter weights 
and activity in movement are better adapted to grazing and 
labor than the more sluggish cattle of the heavier breeds. 

The most noted breeders of Devon cattle in England, for the 
past forty years, have been the Davy brothers, Messrs. Quartly, 
Merson, Childs, Turner, the Duke of B-edford, and some others 
in the west of England, the Earl of Leicester, and Mr. Bloom- 
field, in Norfolk, and among the earliest of the improvers, the 
Lords Somerville, and Western. Prom the herds of all these 
breeders, noted prize animals have been drawn, and their fame 
has largely added to the popularity and dissemination of the 
breed. As an economical animal, the Devon may be classed 
under three distinct heads, viz.: for the dairy, the yoke and the 
shambles. 

AS A DAIRY COW, 

The Devon may be called medium, in the quantity of milk she 
yields, and in its quality, superior. The older, or unimproved 
race, were somewhat noted for the quantities of milk they pro- 
duced, as well as its good quality. A gallon of Devon milk 
yielded more butter than that of almost any other breed, as it 
does now, except the Alderney. But their improvers, in the 
attainment of a finer form, and heavier substance in their ani- 
mals, perhaps sacrificed somewhat of the quantity of milk, 
for the more liberal development of flesh, well knowing that 
both flesh and milk could not thrive equally together in the 
same animal; although, when the milk ceased, the flesh came on 
with due rapidity, under generous feed. Yet, with an eye to 
breeding her solely for milk, she is well fitted for a dairy cow. 
Docile in temper, easy of keep, placable in disposition, she is 



54 



AMERICAN CATTLE 



readily managed. Her udder is soft, tidy in shape, with thin, 
silky hair upon it, clean, taper teats, easily drawn, and every 
way satisfactory to her keeper. 

"We submit a portrait of a well bred cow, dry of her milk and 
fatted, in which will readily be seen the fully developed charac- 
teristics of her race. 




Plate 3. Devon Uow. 

As an evidence of the milking qualities of the Devons, very 
considerable dairies of them have long been kept in England. 
In Youatt, is an account by Mr. Conyers, of Epping, who, in 
the year 1788, kept a dairy of them. "He preferred the Devons 
on account of their large produce, whether in milk, butter, or by 
suckling. He thought that they held their milk longer than any 
other sort that he had tried; that they were liable to fewer 
disorders in their udders ; and being of small size, they did not 
eat more than half what larger cows consumed. He thus sums 
up his account of them : ' Upon an average, ten cows gave 
me sixty pounds of butter per week, in summer, and twenty-four 



THE DEVONS. 55 

pounds in the winter. A good North Devon cow fats two 
calves a year.'" Other favorable accounts are given, yet some 
are different. They speak of a less quantity of milk given by 
Devons, but the quality as remarkably rich. Count de Gourcy, 
an intelligent French agriculturist, and traveler in England, 
remarked that Mr. Bloomfield's Devon cows, on the estate of 
Lord Leicester, in Norfolk, each averaged four pounds of butter 
per week, the year round. 

It is to be regretted that English published accounts of the 
dairy production of the Devons are so meager. We have fuller 
and more favorable accounts of them in America. Mr. George 
Patterson, of Maryland, who, for many years has owned the 
largest herd of pure bred Devons in the United States — some 
seventy or eighty in number — remarked to the writer, when at 
his farm in the year 1842, that his cows were better milkers, 
and yielded more butter on an average than any other breed. 
His stock is descended from some of the best animals of Mr. 
Bloomfield, the principal breeder of the superior herd of the 
Earl of Leicester, (both already noticed,) and since crossed by 
occasional imported bulls from the same herd. Mr. Patterson 
has always bred his cows with a special eye to their milking 
properties, and in them and their descendants, in different parts 
of the country, have been found many remarkable good milkers. 
Other accounts, entered in our memoranda at the time, were 
equally satisfactory. We have good authority of some of them 
yielding ten to twelve pounds of butter per week. 

Other breeders who have kept choice herds of Devons for 
several years, have repeatedly assured us that they were superior 
milkers. They have given 18, 20, and 22 quarts of milk per 
day, for months after calving, under steady milking. 

Our own experience has been something in this line. We 
have kept thorough bred Devons thirty-four years — sometimes 
as high as twenty-five or thirty (not all milk cows) in number. 



56 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Many of them have been excellent milkers, and some of them 
extraordinary, for their size. "We once had two three year old 
heifers, with their first calves, which gave for some three months 
after calving, on pasture only, with steady milking, an average 
of eighteen quarts per day; and from cows which we have at 
different times sold to go to other States, the accounts of their 
milk have been equally good. It is but fair to say however, 
that after we commenced crossing our cows with bulls of later 
importations, some fifteen years after the commencement of the 
herd, the large milkers were not so numerous, although the cattle 
from these crosses were somewhat finer. The bulls we used 
were apparently bred from stocks highly improved, with an 
effort more to develop their feeding properties, than for the 
dairy. After all, our Devons yielded, on an average, quite as 
much as any common cows we ever kept, with much less con- 
sumption of forage. 

With all her alleged deficiencies, the Devon possesses the 
inherent qualities of a good milker. Her dairy faculties may be 
bred out of her by neglect of that important item, and with a 
view to give her an earlier maturity, and more weight of flesh; 
but even under that system, she will occasionally persist, as we 
have known in various instances, in giving a large flow of milk, 
exceeding many common cows of equal size. On the whole, 
from the accumulated accounts we have received from time to 
time, coupled with our own experience, we pronounce the 
Devons, as a race, when bred with an eye to the development of the 
dairy quality, considering their size, and consumption of food, 
good dairy cows, both in the quantity of milk they give, and 
the butter it yields. 

AS A WORKING OX. 

In this valuable quality, no animal of the same size and weight 
equals the Devon — for the following reasons : They are, among 
cattle, what the "thorough bred" is among horses. According 



THE DEVONS. 57 

to their size, they combine more fineness of bone, more muscular 
power, more intelligence, activity, and "bottom," than any othei 
breed. They have the slanting shoulder of the horse, better 
fitted to receive the yoke, and carry it easier to themselves than 
any others, except the Herefords. 

With all workers of oxen, the nearer a beast approaches m 
shape, appearance, and action to the Devon, the more valuable 
he is considered, according to weight. For ordinary farm labor, 
either at the plow, the wagon, or the cart, he is equal to all 
common duties, and on the road his speed and endurance is 
unrivalled. It is in these qualities that the New England oxen 
excel others of the country generally, and why the people of 
that section often call their red oxen "Devonshires," when they 
cannot, to a certainty, trace any, or but a small portion of that 
blood in them, only by a general appearance and somewhat 
like action. 

For active, handy labor on the farm, or highway, under the 
careful hand of one who likes and properly tends him, the 
Devon is every thing that is required of an ox, in docility, intel- 
ligence, and readiness, for any reasonable task demanded of him. 
Their uniformity in style, shape, and color, render them easily 
matched, and their activity in movement, particularly on rough 
and hilly grounds, give them, for farm labor, almost equal value 
to the horse, with easier keep, cheaper food, and less care. The 
presence of a well conditioned yoke of Devon cattle in the 
market place at once attests their value, and twenty-five to fifty 
dollars, and even more price over others of the common stock 
are freely given by the purchaser. 

The Devon, in his lack of great size, is not so strong a draught 
ox as some of the other breeds — the Herefords, for instance — or 
perhaps some of the larger of the common cattle; but, "for his 
inches," no horned beast can outwork him. On light soils, and 
on hilly roads, none other equals him, although we intend to give 
3* 



58 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



all their due share of merit. Our cut is that of a prize stall-fed 
steer, at four years old. It shows his flesh-taking qualities in 
high perfection. 




Plate 4. Devon Ox. 
AS A BEEF ANIMAL, 

We must place the Devon in the first class, for fineness of flesh 
and delicacy of flavor. Its compact bone gives it the one, and 
its rapid and thorough development under good feeding gives it 
the other. In growth and size it matures early, equal to 
the short-horn, and its meat is finer grained, juicy, and nicely 
marbled, (the lean and fat intermixed.) In the London markets, 
Devon beef bears the highest price of any, except the Highland 
Scot — usually a penny a pound over that of larger breeds, 
and our American butchers quickly pick the Devons from a 
drove, when they can find them, before most others. They feed 
well, take on flesh rapidly, and in the quality of their flesh, are 
all that can be desired. 

The following weights of Devons from the London, Smith- 
field markets, are given : 



THE DEVONS. 59 

One 5 years 11 months old, dead net weight, 1,593 lbs.; one 
3 years 7 months old, dead net weight, (rough tallow 160 lbs.) 
1,316 lbs.; one 3 years 10 months old, dead net weight, (rough 
tallow 128 lbs.) 904 lbs. The Earl of Leicester's steers, at four 
years old, on his Holkham estates, gave dead net weights of 
1,000, 1,200, and even 1,400 lbs. Those of the Duke of Nor- 
folk, near Bury, in Suffolk, made 900 to 1,000 pounds each. 
These were all highly fed, and possibly, some of them, prize beef. 

A 3 years 10 months old steer, in Genesee County, N. Y., 
gave, dead net weight, 1,200 lbs. — hide and rough tallow in- 
cluded — the latter being over 100 lbs. The late Mr. Lemuel 
Hurlburt, of Winchester, Connecticut, fed a pair three-fourths 
Devon cattle, having worked them till six years old, and fed 
them 15 months afterwards. Their weights were as follows : 

No. 1— Carcass, . . . 1,438 lbs. 
Hide, . . . 117 lbs. 

Tallow, ... 175 lbs.— 1,730 lbs. 

No. 2 — Carcass, . . . 1,528 lbs. 
Hide, . . . 115 lbs. 

Tallow, ... 213 lbs.— 1,856 lbs. 

We have had slaughtered many of our own grass fed steers, 
three-fourths, to seven-eighths, and thorough bred Devon, at 3K 
years, which made 700 to 850 lbs. net weight of beef, hide, and 
tallow, and never fed anything but grass and hay, from calves. 

After all we have said of the Devon — and our praise is not 
too high — popular opinion in America has, to a considerable 
extent, classed him as too small in size for the most profitable 
uses — "They haven't growth enough." But for their apparent 
size, and actual measurement, no animal of his race, not even a 
short-horn, will weigh a heavier carcass of the best meat, laid 
on in the choicest parts. With some, his want of size is an 
available objection, with others not. In the Southern States 
the Devon is often preferred to any other breed. They gather 



60 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

their food with more ease, they bear the climate well, are more 
free from diseases than many others. On our high lands and 
mountain ranges, with short grasses, sometimes not easy of 
access to heavier cattle, they must prove profitable graziers, and 
as a beef producing animal will answer a valuable purpose where 
others would fail. 

DEVONS IN THE UNITED STATES. 

It is a subject of regret that our accounts of the earlier intro- 
duction of these cattle to this country are so meager. There is 
little doubt, from the appearance of many of the New England 
cattle in the last and present centuries, that some Devons, in 
their purity, were early brought into Massachusetts. Traditional 
tales of their neat limbed, sprightly, red, high-horned cattle, have 
existed, and that they sprung from a Devon cross is beyond a 
question. But we have no particular published records of these 
importations until the year 1817, when Messrs. Caton & Pat- 
terson, merchants of Baltimore, Maryland, received several of 
them from "Mr. Coke, of Holkham." 

These, a few years afterwards, fell into the hands of Mr. G-eo. 
Patterson, (already noticed,) son of one of the importing partners, 
who retains their descendants to the present time. This stock 
has been largely multiplied, and spread through various parts of 
the country. 

A year later — 1818 — Rufus King, the distinguished statesman, 
of Jamaica, Long Island, N. Y., imported a few animals from 
Mr. Coke's herd. 

Not long after the Caton & Patterson stock came over, Mr. 
Henry Thompson made an importation of a few Devons into 
Baltimore. There may have been some few other importations 
mto Boston, or other ports, about the same time, or a little later 
than these, but we have no particular accounts of them. 

About the year 1835-6, an English farmer named Vernon, 



THE DEVONS. 61 

brought a bull and cow into Genesee County, N. Y., from the 
herd of Mr. Davy, in England. 

In 184- the Massachusetts Agricultural Society made a con- 
siderable importation of Devons into that State, which were 
some time afterwards distributed in various parts of New 
England. 

About the years 1852-3, Mr. L. G-. Morris, of Westchester, 
N. Y., imported several Devons from the herds of Mr. Quartly, 
and others, in Devonshire. 

About the same years, Mr. Ambrose Stevens, of Batavia, N. 
Y., brought out a number from the herds of Messrs. Davy, 
Merson, and others. 

Concurrent with these two last, Mr. C. S. Wainright, of 
Rhinebeck, N. Y., made two or three different importations 
from the best and most popular breeds abroad. 

A few years later, the late Mr. Edward Gr. Faile, of West- 
chester, N. Y., imported several superior Devons from the choice 
herds of Devonshire. 

These comprise all that we now recollect, and were of the 
choicest selections — the cattle equal, probably, in style and 
quality, to any in England. All these herds have been carefully 
bred, and their produce widely disseminated. If preserved and 
bred as they should be, they will continue of great benefit in 
improving the lighter cattle stocks of our country. 

It may be well to remark that the race of which we have 
written, are called, in England, "North" Devons, as distinguish- 
ing them from another called "South" Devons — a somewhat 
larger, coarser, and less esteemed variety, existing in South Dev- 
onshire, and the adjoining county of Sussex. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE HEREFORDS. 



After giving so extended a chapter on the Devons — which we 
have partially done for convenient reference in remarking on 
some other breeds, to save frequent repetition — it will not be 
necessary to describe the Herefords so minutely. Although 
comparatively little known in this country, they are a valuable 
breed, and their origin dates far back in the history of English 
cattle. The principal counties in England in which they are 
kept, are Hereford, Shropshire, Gloucester, and Oxford, and some 
counties adjoining Hereford, in Wales. They are also found in 
other counties, but those named are their principal homes. 

Ever since breeds of cattle have been discussed, in modern 
days, the Hereford has been named as of ancient descent. To 
what extent, concurrent with other breeds, they have been 
improved, it is not easy to say; but that they have received 
great attention within a century past, and no doubt been much 
improved, is certain, as we learn by English authorities. The 
Herefords of a hundred years ago, were deep red — almost brown 
— in color, with mottled faces; now, they are usually red, with 
shades sometimes running into light, or yellowish red, with 
white faces, throats, bellies, and sometimes backs, and occasion- 
ally a roan of red and white mixed, and more rarely, an almost 
clear white, with red ears, is found among them. 

From a "lecture" delivered by Mr. T. Duckham, on Hereford 
cattle, in the Royal Agricultural College, at Cirencester, Eng., 
we extract the following : 



THE HEREFORDS. 63 

"Mr. Rowlandson, in his prize report on the 'Farming of 
Herefordshire,' published in the Journal of the Royal Agricul- 
tural Society of England, Vol. 32, says, 'the Hereford s were 
originally brown, or reddish-brown.' He also relates the fol- 
lowing story of the appearance of a white-faced bull in the 
herd of Mr. Tully, Huntington, near Hereford: 'About the 
middle of the last century, (1750,) the cow-man came to the 
house, announcing as a remarkable fact, that the favorite cow 
had produced a white-faced bull calf. This had never been 
known to have occurred before, and as a curiosity, it was agreed 
that the animal should be kept and reared as a future sire; ' and 
adds, 'that the progeny of this very bull became celebrated for 
white faces.' " 

" The same authority (Mr. Rowlandson) gives an interesting 
extract from history, showing that in the tenth century, (A. D. 
900,) a celebrated breed of white. cattle, with red ears, prevailed 
in Wales, of which that part of the county of Hereford on the 
north side of the river Wye formed a portion. He tells us that 
a law of 'Howell the Good' fixed compensation to be paid for 
injuries done by one of the princes towards another, at one 
hundred white cows, with red ears, and a bull of the same 
color; and if the cattle were of a dark or black color, then one 
hundred and fifty in number instead of a hundred, and adds : 
'Speed records, that Maude de Brehos, in order to appease King 
John, who was highly incensed against her husband, made a 
present to the Queen, of four hundred cows and one bull from 
Brecknockshire, (in Wales,) all white, with red ears.' These 
facts, he says, 'are suggestive of the mode in which the white- 
faces have originated.' " 

This last transaction must have taken place soon after the 
year A. D. 1200, for John held the throne only seventeen years, 
having taken it in 1199, and dying in 1216 — a long time for a 
white color in cattle to be held in abeyance, and then to crop out 



64 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

five hundred years afterwards ! This may all be possible, and 
the Hereford breed of cattle, if original in Wales, may have 
existed time immemorial, for, as they say that certain Welsh 
families trace their pedigrees back anterior to Adam, we may 
give a pretty remote date to the origin of their cattle 1 

Mr. Duckham further remarks: "An old and much respected 
friend of mine, the late Mr. Welles, also entertained the idea 
that they were originally self-colored (red) like the Devons, and 
' that the breed characterized as the mottle-faced, took its origin 
from a mixture of the old self-colored, with some accidentally 
possessing white marks.' As regards the white cows with red 
ears, I think the light grey, or white Hereford, may fairly be 
considered to be descended from them; and there are red-with- 
white-face breeders, who advance that they can trace them as 
being the breed of their ancestors, for the past two hundred years." 

Be all these facts, traditions, or surmises, as they may, these 
grey and white colors now appear in cattle bearing all other 
marks of true Herefords, and they must be admitted as indi- 
geneous to the breed. Some of the very best specimens of the 
race have been of those lighter and mixed colors. 

In our researches among English authorities, we find less said 
of the Hereford, its history, and breeding, than almost any other 
well known breed. Youatt devotes but four pages to them, 
knowing little of them himself, and having not much information 
from others. What we have gleaned from English accounts, is 
chiefly in fugitive papers and magazines, by sundry writers and 
breeders ; but more fortunately for the present purpose, we have 
had several years' close and almost daily observation, in a herd 
of imported Herefords and their descendants, which were kept 
near us, as well as of occasional observation of other importa- 
tions, which have given us a more intimate knowledge of them 
than volumes of books, without such personal observation, could 
have done. 



THE HEREFORDS. 



65 



Perhaps we cannot convey a better description of the Here- 
ford, after giving accurate portraits of the sexes, than to say : 
give a Devon a quarter more size, somewhat more proportionate 
bone and horn, a trifle shorter leg, and longer body, a little 
coarser in every part, and you have a good Hereford, in all 
excepting color. 




Plate 5. Hereford Bull. 

Our plate is an accurate copy of one in the (English) Farmers' 
Magazine, true to life, and amply just to the original, both in 
color, and proportion. We have seen one that might have stood 
equally well for the portrait. 

As useful cattle, the Herefords are a good breed. We are 
aware that their introduction into the United States has not 
been, in comparison with some other breeds, successful in popu- 
larity or extended distribution; but that fact decides nothing as 
to the positive merits of the stock itself. Partiality, prejudice 
on the part of our cattle breeders, or pre-occupation of the 
ground by other breeds which meet the general approbation, 



66 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



may keep them for a time in the back-ground; but their actual 
merits once known, they may have a fair trial, and achieve a 
substantial success. 

Like the Devon, we place the Hereford under three distinct 
heads; and first, 

AS A DAIRY COW. 

In this virtue she has little reputation, either in England or 
America. We have found no English authority, except a rare 
instance or two, which gives her much credit as a milker. Pos- 
sibly this may have arisen from the fact that the Hereford dis- 
tricts are grazing, and not dairy. The milk is rich, but too little 
of it — not much more than to rear her calf in good condition. 
She dries early. 




Plate 6. Hereford Cow. 
If she ever was a milker before her modern improvement 
began, the milking faculty has been sacrificed for a ready tend- 
ency to flesh, which has been obtained in a high degree in her 
race. We have seen a dozen of them milked through three or 



THE HEREFORDS. 67 

four successive seasons, and the yields were such as would be 
unsatisfactory to a modern dairyman. Now and then a fair 
milker turned up, but they were in a minority of numbers; 
taken together they were less than ordinary, for the season. 
We will not therefore discuss this question further, but pass to 
another quality as yielding greater pleasure in the relation. 

AS A WORKING OX, 

The Hereford is the peer of any other, and superior to most. 
Large, strong, muscular, well developed in form, noble, and 
stately in carriage, he suggests all that need be found in an 
honest, true worker. At full maturity — say six years old — he 
girts V to 7K feet behind the shoulders, in ordinary condition, 
to the Devon's 6 to §% feet, and is every way the more power- 
ful, if not quite so quick, or active. A team of two, three, or 
four yokes of Herefords, under the control of a good driver, for 
"a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether," is the perfec- 
tion of bovine strength and majesty. The joints of the ox are 
well knit, his sinews strong, his shoulders slant well to the yoke, 
and he carries his load well, be it at the plow, the cart, or the 
wagon. He is kindly, intelligent, honest in his labor. We have 
seen them from half, to three-quarters blood, crossed from the 
common cow, and up to thorough bred, all of great excellence as 
draught beasts, well matched, and admirable in all their points. 
The Hereford blood is strong in marking its descent. From the 
bulls which were kept in our neighborhood eighteen years ago, 
crossed upon cows which run on the adjacent commons, in their 
summer pasturage, we now, in their progeny, to later genera 
tions, frequently see cows and oxen but a quarter, an eighth, or 
sixteenth in blood — got by scrub bulls — that show strong Here- 
ford marks in form and color. 

We once reared an ox got by a Hereford bull, on a wretched 
little black cow, which proved to be a fine, stately ox, of a 



68 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



brindle (black and red mixed) color, and a better worker we 
never knew. At eight years old we fed him off on grass, and 
a little corn meal only,' and he gave us 1,200 pounds of beef, 
hide and tallow. "Where hay and pasturage are cheap, and the 
farmer has a taste for the business, it must be a profitable, invest- 
ment to obtain a thorough bred Hereford bull, cross him on well 
selected native red cows, and rear and break steers for the 
markets where good working oxen are in demand. The strong 
blood of the bull will give uniformity in shape, and color, so 
that the steers may be easily matched, and if not wanted for the 
yoke, they are equally valuable, as other cattle, for feeding, and 
the shambles. 




Plate 7. Hereford Ox. 
AS A BEEF ANIMAL, 

The Hereford is superior. They feed kindly, are thrifty in 
growth, mature early — at three and four years old — and prove 
well on the butchers' block. We are aware that they have not 
now a general popularity in the great cattle breeding regions of 



THE HEREFORDS 69 

eur Western States. Few of them have been introduced there, 
and those, perhaps, not in the right hands to push thern to the 
best advantage. We could wish for them a fairer trial; but the 
prejudice against the cows as milkers, and the lack in their 
taking appearance as a highly distinctive race, in comparison 
with the more popular short-horns, have kept them back in 
public demand. Their time has not yet come; and it may be, 
that in the right hands, and with a more critical observation 
among our cattle breeders and graziers, they may achieve a 
reputation as a grazing beast, equal to some now considered 
their superiors. 

In their native counties in England, they still hold a high rank, 
and at the prize shows in the London markets compete success- 
fully with other improved breeds. With all the deficiencies which 
the advocates of other breeds allege against them, the Herefords 
still retain their reputation among their English breeders, who 
hold on to them with a pertinacity which shows an unabated con- 
fidence in their merits and profit as a true grazier's beast. We 
might show recorded tables of their trials, in England, with 
short-horns, and the relative profits of their feeding for market, 
in which the Herefords gained an advantage on the scd(Pof 
economy; but as the trials were not from birth to slaughter, 
and the comparative early advantages of each breed were 
omitted in the account, a repetition of the tables here would 
not be conclusive. 

There has been much controversy in England, and there might 
be some in America, were there Herefords enough here to raise 
the question, as to the manner in which they have been improved 
within the last eighty or ninety years. Their opponents allege 
that they have had a stealthy short-horn cross, and it is not cer- 
tain that in these controversies the Hereford breeders have 
always denied it. All the accounts that we have seen, show 
that the old Herefords were dark red, almost brown in color. 



70 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

with mottled red and white faces, and little or no white on 
the throat, belly, or back. The improved Herefords are of 
lighter red, with white faces usually, (although we have seen 
some of the old style of color,) and occasionally one will "crop 
out" with a lively short-horn roan all over. We once saw a 
purely white one in color, with no red, except the ears, her 
parents, bull and cow, being red, with white faces ; and another, 
an imported cow, with drooping, half-length horns. These are 
certainly out of line with the true Herefords, and the short-horn 
advocates charge that such offshoots betray short-horn blood. 
Be the facts of their breeding as they may, the differences in 
color and horn, are palpable. That these appearances have not 
injured the animals themselves, is evident, for they were admira- 
ble Herefords in all their valuable points, as any among their 
congeners of the true colors, and upright spread of horns. We, 
at least, shall not take sides in the controversy. It is sufficient 
to note the facts as we have seen them. 

THE HEREFOBDS IN AMERICA. 

At what date they were first imported into this country, we 
have no accurate account; but that some Herefords came out 
among the early importations, is evident, from the occasional 
marks of the breed among our native cattle where late importa- 
tions have not been known. In the year 1816 or '17 the great 
Kentucky statesman, Henry Clay, imported two pairs of them 
into his State, and put them on his farm at Ashland. They 
were bred for a time with each other, and the bulls were crossed 
with other cows; but it is certain that they left no permanent 
impress on the herds of that vicinity, as Mr. Clay himself 
became a breeder of short-horns soon afterwards, and eventually 
discarded the blood from his herds, if he had for any length 
of time retained it. No trace of them is now seen in Kentucky. 
A few years later, Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, of the English 



THE HEREFORDS. 71 

Navy, a native of Massachusetts, sent out a Hereford bull, and 
possibly a cow or two, to some of his friends in that State. 
The bull was considerably used in crossing with the native cows, 
and thirty years ago or more, we saw several fine bullocks with 
strong marks of the breed, in the vicinity where he was kept. 
There may have been small importations made into other States 
during the next fifteen years, but of them we have no definite 
knowledge. 

The largest known importation of Herefords into the United 
States, was made about the year 1840, upwards of twenty in 
number, by an Englishman, into the city of New York, and 
taken into Jefferson county, of that State. A year or two 
afterwards the bulk of the herd were removed to the farm of 
Mr. Erastus Corning, near Albany, N. Y., and some of them 
went into Vermont, where they were for some years bred, sold, 
and scattered. Of this herd, Mr. A. B. Allen, editor of the 
American Agriculturist in 1843, thus speaks: "We had seen 
some specimens when in England, in 1840, but had no idea of 
the fine herd at Albany until we saw them last December. We 
were surprised at the superb show the Herefords made at the 
various Agricultural Society meetings we attended in England, 
and certainly one of the finest lots of cattle we ever saw, was 
a large herd of pure Hereford steers, grazing on the banks of 
the Thames, in the neighborhood of the grand old town of 
Oxford. As fat cattle, the Herefords have lately held a sharp 
rivalry with the short-horns, and their beef is in high favor in 
the London markets. They make no claim, as yet, to being 
milkers. * * * * We think the stock at Albany would 
compare favorably with the best we met of this breed in Eng- 
land. * * * * We found these cattle to excel particularly 
in the brisket, and loin, two very important points in all animals 
destined for the butcher, and especially necessary, if we make 



72 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

them into beef for the English market ; and being of great con- 
stitution and hard j, they make most excellent grazing cattle." 

While the stock were at his farm, Mr. Corning, with his accus- 
tomed liberality and enterprise, sent their importer out again 
to England to purchase more animals, which safely arrived, and 
were added to the herd. They were then successfully bred for 
several years, many sales made into different and distant parts 
of the United States, and they acquired considerable popularity. 
The herd was subsequently divided, Mr. Corning retaining his 
share, and his partner taking his, some twenty or more in num- 
ber, on to a farm three or four miles from Buffalo, on the banks 
of the Niagara. Here they were bred, and several sales made, 
to go to different parts of the country, during the four or five 
years they remained ; but the herd gradually waned, mainly from 
want of proper care and system in their keeping. With their 
owner they then migrated into the rich valley of the Genesee, 
near Geneseo. In that locality, if anywhere, they ought to 
have succeeded. But in two or three years further they went 
to Tioga county, near Owego, where they had another fitful stay 
of a year or two, and then removed elsewhere, since which we 
have no record of them whatever, — "run out," and sacrificed, 
in all probability, by mismanagement. 

Mr. Corning retained his herd at his farm, where he has suc- 
cessfully bred, and made sales from them since, and in the hands 
of his son, Mr. E. Corning, Jr., who is more an amateur than a 
professed cattle breeder, added to by occasional importations from 
England, they remain fine specimens of their race. 

Mr. George Clark, at Springfield, Otsego county, N. Y., 
obtained several Herefords from this herd, and, we believe, made 
an importation or two from England. He bred them success- 
fully, distributed his bulls on to several of his farms, and bred, 
and still breeds many excellent grade Herefords from the com- 



THE HEREFORDS. 73 

tnon cows. His bullocks have, in past years, been highly- 
approved in the New York Cattle Markets. 

About the year 1852-3, Messrs. Thomas Aston, and John 
Humphries, two English farmers in Blyria, Ohio, near Lake 
Erie, imported several fine Herefords. They bred them well, 
and successfully, as seen in the specimens we have several times 
met, but with what success in their sales we have no intimate 
knowledge. 

In the years 1860 and '61, Mr. Frederick fm. Stone, of 
Guelph, Canada West, made two importations of superior Here- 
fords from the herds of Lord Bateman, in Herefordshire, and the 
late Lord Berwick, in the adjoining county of Shropshire, Eng- 
land, numbering, together, two bulls, and eleven cows and heifers. 
These were remarkable for their high breeding, and generally, 
good points. Prom them, down to January, 1867, there were 
bred about sixty, and about half the number have been sold at 
satisfactory prices, and distributed, mostly into the United States. 
Some of the cows have proved excellent milkers, and all, 
together with the crosses of the bulls on common cows, have 
proved profitable grazing animals. But as they have had to 
encounter a sharp competition in Canada, where the short-horns 
have for some years, previous to the introduction of the Here- 
fords, held dominion, as improved stock, and Mr. Stone himself 
a prominent short-horn breeder, the qualities of the Herefords 
have won their success, against such odds, solely by their own 
merits. Such a faot is no small testimonial to their excellence. 

Since the foregoing was written, and within the past five or 
six years numerous importations of good Hereford Cattle have 
been made into both the United States and Canada, and scattered 
chiefly into the Western States and Territories for crossing on 
the native cows and rougher Texan ones for beef raising, as 
well as breeding in their pure blood. They command ready 
Bales and good prices, are rapidly rising in public favor and 
4 



74 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

will add largely to the better qualities of beef-production. They 
have a Herd Book record of their own, and may be counted as 
having taken an established position in the broad grazing dis- 
tricts of the country. 

It is doubtful whether in early maturity for the shambles they 
will equal the Short-horns, now so universally prevalent, but as 
they are active in movement, may better suit some localities 
where the lymphatic temperament of the Short-horns will not 
so well enable them to range over wide distances to gather their 
forage. Taken altogether the Herefords are a good breed of cattle 
and will undoubtedly maintain a high position among our bovine 
varieties. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE LONG-HORNS. 

It is still a disputed question in England, whether this some- 
what remarkable race of cattle originated in the north-western 
English counties of Lancashire, Westmoreland, and the adjoin- 
ing part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, or in Ireland, as 
from time immemorial they appear to have been natives of both 
countries, and probably were intermixed, more or less, by 
importations from one to the other. The characteristics of the 
cattle of each country are so identical, that they are acknowl- 
edged to be of the same primitive race, although it is contended 
by English authorities that the Irish long-horns were coarser 
and less cultivated in their breeding than the English. 

Youatt says: "In the district of Craven, a fertile corner of the 
West Riding of Yorkshire, bordering on Lancashire, and sepa- 
rated from Westmoreland chiefly by the western moorlands, 
there has been, from the earliest records of British Agriculture, 
a peculiar breed of cattle. They were distinguished from the 
home-breds of other counties by a disproportionate and frequently 
unbecoming length of horn. In the old breed this horn frequently 
projected nearly horizontal on either side, but as the cattle were 
improved, the horn assumed other directions ; it hung down so 
that the animal could scarcely graze, or it curved so as to threaten 
to meet before the muzzle, and so also to prevent the beast from 
grazing; or immediately under the jaw, and so to lock the lower 
jaw; or the points presented themselves against the bones of 
the nose and face, threatening to perforate them. We have 
given a similar description of the Irish breed, In proportion as 
the breed became improved, the horns lengthened, and they are 



76 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



characteristically distinguished by the name of 'The Long- 
Horns.' Cattle of a similar description were found in the dis- 
tricts of Lancashire, bordering on Craven, and also in the South- 
eastern parts of Westmoreland; but tradition, in both of these 
districts, pointed to Craven as the original habitation of the 
long-horn breed. If there gradually arose any difference between 
them, it was that the Craven beasts were the broadest in the 
chine, the shortest, the handsomest, and the quickest feeders; 
the Lancashire ones were larger, longer in the quarters, but 
with a fall behind the shoulders, and not so level on the chine. 
Whence these cattle were derived, is still a disputed point." 

The breed gradually spread into the adjoining more midland 
counties, and as the cows were good milkers, they became per- 
manently established in the dairies, where they have long been 
kept, and are to a considerable extent retained to the present 
day ; and although, as a grazier's beast they have been pushed 
aside by some of the more favorite breeds, there are still found 
some fine dairy herds, and others bred in high perfection for the 
shambles, for which purpose their breeders contend they are a 
highly profitable beast. 




Plate 8. Lorns-horn Bull. 



THE LONG-HORNS. 77 

The preceding cut represents one of the best of the improved 
long-horn bulls of the present day. From all we can gather of 
their early history, they appear, before their improvement began, 
to have been of rather sleazy appearance, loose jointed, sway- 
backed, and coarse in the bone, — points yet not altogether bred 
out of them, and perhaps never can be bred out by the use of their 
own blood alone. Still, in the animal before us, we see a com- 
pact, rangy beast, with many excellent qualities. 

We have not introduced the long-horned cattle into this work 
because we recommend them, or expect them to be, to any extent, 
brought into the United States as rivals to other popular breeds 
which are already here to improve our native stock, although we 
confess there are some salient and taking points of character in 
them ; but chiefly to record the career of a man, distinguished in 
his time as one of the greatest improvers of farm stock of which 
we have any account — Robert Bakewell — and of whom our 
American stock breeders should have some more distinct history 
than what floats about among the fugitive papers of the time. 
Our account of him is taken from Youatt, and his account from a 
paper in the "Gentleman's Magazine," a London publication of 
the last century. 

Robert Bakewell was a farmer and stock breeder by profes- 
sion — as were his father, and grandfather before him — and born 
at Dishley, in Leicestershire, England, about the year 1725. 
His father and grandfather, during their lives, had both resided 
on the same estate. In the course of his career, he bred the 
common cart horse of England to high perfection, giving him 
greater size, weight, and more muscular form than he before 
possessed, together with more beauty of form. He also bred the 
coarse, long-wooled sheep into such marked improvement that 
they assumed in his hands, the new names of "Dishley," "Bake- 
well," or "Leicester," by the latter of which names (since fur- 
ther improved, in other hands, by a cross of the "old Cotswolds" 



78 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

and "Lincolns," noted " long-wooled " varieties of the present 
day,) they are now known. His practice and experience were 
long, as he died at about seventy years of age. 

About the year 1720 the first known improvement of the 
long-horns was attempted. A blacksmith and farrier, of Linton, 
in Derbyshire, on the borders of Leicestershire, who had rented 
a little farm, had the honor of being first on the list of improvers. 
His name was Welby. But a fatal disease broke out and took 
off his cows, of which he had several, and put a stop to his fur- 
ther progress. Soon after this, Mr. Webster, of (Janley, near 
Coventry, distinguished himself as a breeder. His herd had 
come from Sir Thomas G-resley's stock, from whom also the 
unfortunate blacksmith, Welby, had obtained his animals. 
Webster had also obtained bulls from Lancashire, and West- 
moreland. He bred them to a high degree of perfection, so 
that they were called the "Canley" breed, and from his herd 
were afterwards drawn the chief and most valuable progenitors 
of the "improved" race. 

Then came Bakewell on the stage, as a further improver of 
the long-horns, and it must be confessed, with a race of cattle 
already prepared to his hands on which to exercise his ingenuity 
and skill. His plan was to improve the stock from their own 
blood alone, and without intermixture of any other. He pur- 
chased two heifers from Mr. Webster, and a choice bull from 
Westmoreland. He bred closely "in and in," but was careful to 
have his crosses, although of the same family, sufficiently sepa- 
rate to avoid any defects which might be perpetuated in the 
direct descent, where they might exist, from parent to offspring 
by the intensity of their interbreeding with each other. 

"Many years did not pass before his stock was unrivalled for 
the roundness of its form, and the smallness of its bone, and its 
aptitude to acquire external fat, while they were small consumers 
of food in proportion to their size; but at the same time their 



THE LONG-HORNS. 79 

qualities as milkers were considerably lessened. The grazier 
could not too highly value the Dishley, or New Leicester long- 
horn; but the dairyman, and the little farmer clung to the old 
breed as most useful for their purpose." 

By what strange gift, or skill, Mr. Bakewell improved his cat- 
tle, he left no record. He was not a man of learning, science, 
or wide observation beyond his own line, but he studied his pur- 
suit with great attention. He used to dissect the slaughtered 
carcasses of his cattle, hang up and preserve their joints, bones 
and sinews, in his rooms, and put their flesh in pickle, and study 
them, as a surgeon studies his anatomical specimens of humanity. 
By this he was enabled to detect their faults and imperfections, 
and by comparison with living animals avoid the perpetuation of 
like imperfections in the young progeny. He was kind-hearted, 
and treated his cattle with great tenderness, never using anything 
heavier than a little switch to control the young things ; thus he 
rendered them docile, and gentle in temper, a quality tending 
much to their thrift and rapid growth. In the course of years 
he probably raised the long-horns to the highest point of per- 
fection of which the race was capable. The upshot was, he had 
sacrificed the milking quality of his herd for the promotion of 
their flesh, and the symmetry of their forms; and after all, it 
may be questioned how valuable his improvements, in an econom- 
ical point of view, were to the common farmers, who kept and 
bred them. 

Youatt gives a long and particular description of many points 
in BakewelPs practice, made up of inferences chiefly, some of 
which may be correct, but as they are matters of opinion, we do 
not care to follow them. He names a fact, however, which it is 
worth while to notice, viz.: After Bakewell's death, and his 
stock went into other hands, they declined. His spirit, skill, 
sagacity, tact, experience and knowledge — for he possessed all 
these in an eminent degree — did not go with them. <: Tradition," 



80 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

too, sajs that the long horns have never been so good since 
Bakewell's time. "Tradition," however, is not accepted in the 
present day as evidence in a court of justice, and many of her 
rumors and sayings may be apocryphal. We are inclined to 
believe, from accounts which we have occasionally seen, and up 
to a late date also, that there do now exist in England as good 
long-horns as Bakewell ever bred, although not in numerous 
herds, nor of wide-spread fame. 

A Mr. Fowler, of Rollwright, in Oxfordshire, bought some 
cattle of Bakewell, and bred them with great care. He had a 
sale in the year 1791, in which seven bulls and six cows were 
sold. The prices of his bulls ranged from $760 to $1,250, and 
his cows from $446 to $1,365 each, and his whole herd of fifty 
averaged $429 each, showing the high value put upon the breed 
at that day. But it is needless to pursue this branch of the 
subject further, as we have no definite interest in the breed, as 
yet, in this country. Indeed, we have only introduced this 
information here as a matter of collateral interest to our American 
cattle breeders, and to give an outline of one branch of Mr. 
Bakewell's course, and success. 

AS A DAIRY COW, 

The " old-fashioned " long-horn ranks high, and is extensively 
used in some of the dairy counties of England, — many, in their 
purity of blood, and more in their grades with other breeds and 
admixtures. Her milk is good, and the quantity given satisfac- 
tory to the dairyman ; and without both these qualities, a people 
so systematic as they, and looking sharply to profits, would 
certainly discard her. 

Aside from the plate, which is that of a very fat cow, we 
give a more particular description. The head is long; the 
neck none too clean ; the dewlap small ; the shoulder fair ; 
the rib tolerable ; the brisket good ; the back a little swayed, or 



THE LONG-HORNS. 



81 



hollow ; the loin good ; the hips wide ; the rumps and tail high ; 
the thighs moderately round. The colors — red, red-roan, blue- 
roan, yellow-red, or inclining sometimes to fawn color; and 
sometimes white on the back and belly. The horns show for 
themselves — the most objectionable, uneconomical, and incon- 
venient feature altogether, although giving her a most picturesque 
and unique appearance. In size they are above medium, ranging 




"-.• "■• rv^,-^ 



Plate 9. Long-horn Cow. 

in bulk and weight fully with the Hereford. The cow here 
represented was ten years old, kept some years as a milker, and 
then fed off for the shambles. She shows a wonderful develop- 
ment of flesh, indicating a high feeding quality. 

AS A WORKING OX. 

We do not see, in this connection, how the long-horn can be 
superior, or as good as the Devon, or Hereford, although he is 
somewhat used in England for that purpose, in the districts 
where he is bred. His horns are decidedly in the way, and his 
sway, or depressed back, must detract from his strength for a 
heavy pull. Although kind and tractable as other beasts in 
temper, the objections on other scores are sufficient to make him 
4* 



82 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



undesirable for labor when other oxen, as in this country, can 
be plentifully found. 

AS A BEEF ANIMAL, 

The long-horn is good. They feed well, and kindly. They 
prove well at the shambles, and the quality of the flesh is fair, but 
not superior to that of other approved breeds. Their advocates, 
of whom there are many in England, have exhibited some fine 
specimens at the Smithfield market, in London, and claim for 
them an equality with any other breed ; but that claim is not 
generally admitted by the breeders and graziers of other estab 
lished breeds 




Plate 10. Long-horn Ox. 

In the specimen before us is seen a well-formed and full-fleshed 
animal, highly bred, and in his best condition — much better than 
anything within the range of "common" cattle. He is a good 
"handler," with an elastic touch, good skin and hair, and his 
"proof," in tallow, must be good; — altogether a very creditable 
beast. His true profit, however, as an economical animal, must 



THE LONG-HORNS. 83 

be tested by the amount of food he has consumed, in proportion 
to his dead weight at the shambles. 

THE LONG-HORNS IN AMERICA. 

On this item, our record must be short. Among the early 
importations of English cattle in the Northern States, and pos- 
sibly in the Middle, and Southern, that some long-horns came 
also there can be no doubt, for we well recollect, in our boyhood, 
cattle which had some of their distinctive marks, too obvious to 
be mistaken, as inherited from that race. The first definitely 
known introduction of them, was by a Mr. Smith, a merchant, 
we believe, of Lexington, Ky., who brought out a bull and cow, 
and took to that town about, or in, the year 1817. They were 
there bred, but whether together, or with other cattle, we have 
no direct information. At all events, they were soon merged in 
the "Patton" stock, and the "Short-horns of Col. Sanders' 
importation of 1817." The blood of those cattle still exists in 
a remote degree in some of the grade Kentucky herds, as we 
have distinctly seen, not many years ago, in steers sent from 
there to the New York cattle markets. The long-horns were 
not received with much favor in Kentucky, as the merits of the 
short-horns soon overshadowed them. 

When a youngster, just emerging into the gristle and bone of 
manhood, during a temporary residence in northern Ohio, we 
made a horseback journey, in the month of September, 1821, 
down into the Scioto valley, as far as Circle ville, in the county 
of Pickaway. In the valley, below Columbus, Were " the Vir- 
ginia military grants," in which numerous settlers from that State 
and Pennsylvania had come at an early day — for that country, 
1790 to 1800 — who took up large tracts of its rich lands, and 
cleared and cultivated them into broad pastures and rich corn- 
fields. A mile or two north of the town, on the Columbus road, 
spying a dozen or so of strange looking cattle, in a rich blue 



84 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

grass pasture, shaded with groups of grand old oaks and walnuts, 
we reined up to the fence, dismounted, hitched our horse, and 
went into the field. The cattle were just as Youatt and our 
pictures describe them, blue, and red roans, and white backs and 
bellies, with horns long, curving forward, and drooping under 
the jaws ; their bodies were round and full, showing high marks 
of growth and thrift, — a bull, some cows, and calves. How 
they came there, or who they belonged to, we did not particu- 
larly inquire at the time, having then little curiosity, or interest 
in cattle. Not again going there until thirty years later, we 
heard nothing more of the cattle, and then, on inquiry of one or 
two of the oldest settlers in the vicinity, we could learn nothing 
of than, only, "that they recollected some man, rich, and a 
large landholder thereabouts, had driven some ' imported ' cattle 
in there, but what became of them they did not know, and no 
trace was left of them." 

Thus ends our story of the long-horns in America. We 
trust that they may again be imported here, and have a fair trial. 



CHAPTER X. 



THE CATTLE OF SCOTLAND. 



Having examined the two marked and best approved of the 
middle-horned races of England; and taken a sufficient notice 
of the long-horns, we proceed to examine three of the most 
approved breeds of Scotland, as now concentrated, and improved 
from original races there, and fashioned to the uses of the 
present day. 

Lying north of England, with a surface more or less moun- 
tainous in its northern territory, and a much severer climate, its 
cattle, from time immemorial, have been of a far different order, 
and applied to somewhat different purposes than those of Eng- 
land. Youatt describes the breeds, or varieties of the different 
sections of the country minutely, and with great interest. It is 
not necessary for the present purpose to follow him throughout, 
but we shall extract largely from him, both in text and opinion. 
His information is solely from Scottish authorities, and such an 
air of fidelity to truth runs through them that we may wisely 
adopt, so far as our purposes need, their conclusions. 

The reader may inquire, why, when England contains all of 
improvement in her best breeds that an American demands, 
should we seek the inferior cattle of Scotland to multiply, and 
further mix up the already sufficient varieties of cattle on our 
soils ? Our answer is, that the vast scope of climates, soils, and 
altitudes of the United States, and their territories, embrace those 
of both England and Scotland, as well as the tropics. No one, 
two, three, or even four different breeds are best suited to them 



86 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

all, and when we find those already fitted to our hands, and 
applicable to the best economical uses for all the different parts 
of our broad country, it is the part of wisdom to adopt them, 
instead of striving, by a long course of unprofitable experiment, 
to change and acclimate those by nature unfitted to new locali- 
ties. Let us take advantage of the labors of others, and apply 
them immediately to our uses and demands. 

Thus Youatt: "Scotland contains several distinct and valua- 
ble breeds of cattle, evidently belonging to our present division — 
'the middle-horns.' The West Highlanders, whether we regard 
those that are found in the Hebrides, or the county of Argyle, 
seem to retain most of the aboriginal character. They have 
remained unchanged, or improved only by selection, for many 
generations, or indeed from the earliest accounts that we possess 
of Scottish cattle." 

It is well to remark, as a matter of geographical information, 
that the western coast of Scotland, north of Ireland, is skirted 
for a distance of two hundred miles by a cluster of islands greater 
or smaller in extent ; and further west and north of these extends 
another cluster called the Hebrides, or Western Islands, all 
thickly inhabited with a population more or less agricultural in 
their pursuits, and having with them the aboriginal race of cattle 
mentioned by Youatt. Beyond these, and on the extreme north 
of Scotland proper, range another group of islands, called the 
Orkneys, and to the extreme north of them, another, called the 
Shetland Islands, famous for a hardy people, and producing a 
diminutive race of tough, rugged little cattle, and also those 
wild looking, diminutive horses called "Shelties," or Shetland 
ponies, of late introduced among us. These several groups range 
from 55K° to 61° north latitude; and although their climates 
be not so severe as in corresponding American latitudes, they are 
harsh, austere and boisterous. 



CATTLE OF SCOTLAND. 87 

Leaving out the Orkneys, and Shetlands, whose cattle are 
too diminutive to attract our particular notice, these western 
groups of islands, together with the Highlands proper, of Scot- 
land, possess a hardy race of middle-horned cattle, long termed 
u Kyloes," so called, as Sir John Sinclair asserts, "from their 
crossing so many kyloes, or ferries, which abound in the west of 
Scotland." " Others," says Youatt, "and with more propriety, 
one of whom is Mr. Macdonald, the author of the • Agriculture 
of the Highlands,' tell us, that it is a corruption of the Gaelic 
word which signifies highland, and is commonly pronounced as 
if spelled Kael." These cattle, all, probably, of one generic 
origin, have been intermixed by various crosses, within them- 
selves, so as to become homogeneous in nature, habit, and 
appearance, and as Scottish agriculture in the islands and the 
liighlands has progressed, the cattle have also been better culti- 
vated and cared for, and within a century past highly improved, 
so as now to assume a distinct name and character, as " West 
Highlands." To these our attention will now be directed. 

THE WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 

There are no " Highland " cattle in the United States. At 
least, we do not know of any. Our impression is that a few 
were imported some years ago into Upper Canada, but what 
has become of them, if such was the fact, we have never 
learned. We have immense ranges of land in our mountain 
districts, in various parts of the older States, which when 
properly subdued, wiD become a pastoral country. The vast 
plains west and north of the Missouri, as well as the wide 
mountain ranges which traverse them, must mainly be occupied 
in breeding and grazing cattle, if anything. Those lands will be 
admirably adapted to a class of cattle like the "West High- 
lands." No really superior class of our present cattle are, as 
yet, properly fitted for the wild and roving life of such a country 



88 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

The subject is a new one in our agricultural economy. Vast 
spaces of these now wild lands, covered with a short and 
abundant herbage, fed with limited streams of water, and unfitted 
for profitable tillage crops, must be owned in large tracts, and 
sparsely populated. Their distance from a dense population will 
preclude the possibility of taking their surplus grains to market, 
at a profit, even if they could be profitably raised, and they can 
hardly be so profitably used as to stock them with cattle. They 
can breed, and graze while young, on the broad plains, and when 
fit for market, be driven far away down to the more fertile districts, 
and fattened, as the Scottish Highlanders drive theirs to the 
richer lowlands, and to England. Our herdsmen of the plains 
and mountains would be at a far greater distance from their 
markets then the graziers of Scotland, but that distance is not 
insurmountable, nor over expensive. 

This is looking somewhat into the future, we admit, and by 
some it may be thought chimerical ; but when we have seen, 
within twenty years past, California discovered ; a State made 
of it ; two other States, and more organized territories, soon to 
become States with them, adjoining it; several traveled routes 
for vast caravans of emigrants, and merchandise, and stage 
coaches passing over them ; a railroad under construction and to 
be completed within the next five years, across the continent ; 
telegraph lines, and the appendages of wealth and civilization 
introduced with an energy and rapidity hitherto unparalleled in 
the annals of human progress ; it is not too much to assume that 
an enlightened agricultural interest will soon direct its efforts 
thitherward, and plant itself firmly and permanently beside the 
various mining and other enterprises which are already estab- 
lished, and becoming thicker and more substantial continually. 
In view of these possibilities — probabilities, rather — we need no 
further apology for the space we shall occupy in introducing this 
valuable foreign race of cattle to American study and attention. 



HIGHLAND CATTLE. 89 

Again Youatt: 

11 We have been favored with the following excellent descrip- 
tion of the true Kyloe, or West Highland bull, by Malcolm 
M'Neill, Esq., of the Isle of Islay, the southernmost of the inner 
range of the Hebrides : ' The Highland bull should be black, 
the head not large, the ears thin, the muzzle fine, and rather 
turned up. He should be broad in the face, the eyes prominent, 
and the countenance calm and placid. The horns should taper 
finely to a point; and, neither drooping too much, nor rising too 
high, should be of a waxy color, and widely set on at the root. 
The neck should be fine, particularly where it joins the head, and 
rising with a gentle curve from the shoulder. The breast {brisket) 
wide, and projecting well before the legs. The shoulder broad 
at the top, and the chine so full as to leave but little hollow 
behind them, (that is, the crops are full.) The girth behind the 
shoulder deep; the back straight, wide, and flat; the ribs broad, 
the space between them and the hips small; the belly not sink- 
ing low in the middle ; yet, in the whole, not forming the round 
and barrel-like carcass which some have described. The thigh 
tapering to the hock-joint; the bones larger in proportion to 
the size than in the breeds of the southern districts. The tail 
set on a level with the back. The legs short and straight. The 
whole carcass covered with a thick, long coat of hair, and plenty 
of hair also about the face and horns, and that hair not curly.' 

" The value of the West Highland cattle consists in their being 
hardy, and easily fed; in that they will live, and sometimes 
thrive, on the coarsest pastures; that they will frequently gain 
from a fourth to a third of their original weight in six months' 
good feeding; that the proportion of offal is not greater than in 
the most improved larger breeds ; that they will lay their flesh 
and fat equally on the best parts; and that, when fat, the beef 
is closed fine in the grain, highly flavored, and so well mixed or 
marbled, that it commands a superior price in every market. 



90 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

"The different islands of the Hebrides contain about one hun 
dred and fifty thousand of these cattle, of which it is calculated 
that one-fifth are sent annually to the main land, principally 
through Jura, or across from the ferry of the Isle of Skye. 
* * * * Cattle, therefore, constitute the staple commodity 
of the Hebrides. Three thousand five hundred are annually 
exported from the island of Islay alone. 

"Mr. Moorhouse, from Craven, in Yorkshire, in 1763, was 
the first Englishman who came into the Hebrides to buy cattle. 
In the absence of her husband, Mr. M'Donald, of Kingsburgh, 
he was kindly entertained by Flora M'Donald, who made up for 
him the same bed that, seventeen years before, had received the 
unfortunate Prince Charles. 

" From Skye, Mr. Moorhouse went to Raasay, whither in three 
days, Kingsburgh followed him; and, during a walk in the 
garden, on a fine harvest evening, they bargained for one thou- 
sand cattle, at two guineas a head, to be delivered free of ex- 
pense at Falkirk. Two days before, he had bought six hundred 
from Mr. M'Leod, of Waterside. 

"Forty years ago, (from 1763, the time at which Mr. Moor- 
house dates back, say in 1723,) the treatment of cattle was, 
with very few exceptions, absurd and ruinous, to a strange degree, 
through the whole of the Hebrides. With the exception of the 
milk cows, and not even of the calves, they were all wintered 
in the field; if they were scantily fed with hay, it was coarse, 
and withered, and half-rotten ; or if they got a little straw, they 
were thought to be well taken care of. The majority got little 
more than sea- weed, heather, and rushes. One-fifth of the cattle, 
on an average, used to perish every winter from starvation. 
When the cold had been unusually severe, and the snow had 
lain long on the ground, one-half of the stock has been lost, and 
the remainder have afterwards been thinned by the diseases 
which poverty had engendered. 



HIGHLAND OATTLB. 91 

"It proved the excellency of the breed, that in the courHe of 
two or three months so many of them got again into good store 

condition, and might almost be said to be half-fat, and could 
scarcely be restrained by any fence; in fact, there are numerous 
instances of these cattle, which had been reduced to the most 
dreadful state of impoverishment, becoming fattened for the 
butcher in a law months, after being placed on some of the rich 
summer pastures of Islay, Lewis, or Skye. 

"The cows were housed during the winter; but among the 

small formers this was conducted in a singular way — for one 
rude dwelling contained and sheltered both the family and the 
cattle. The family had their beds of straw or heath in the 
niches of the walls, while the litter was never removed from the 
cattle, but fresh layers of straw were occasionally laid down, 

and so the floor rose with the accumulation of dung and litter, 
until the season of spreading it upon the land, when it was at 
length taken away.* 

"The peculiarity of the climate and the want of inclosed lands, 
and the want, too, of forethought in the firmer, were the chief 
causes of this wretched system of winter starvation. The 
rapidity of vegetation in the latter part of tie; spring, is astonish* 
ing in these islands. A good pasture can scarcely be left a 
fortnight without growing high and rank; and even the unen- 
closed, and marshy and heathy grounds are comparatively luxu- 
riant. In consequence of this, the farmer fully stocked, or over- 

"*Mr. Garnet in Inn 'Tour through the Highlands, 1 f^ives a ladder account of the 
frequent joint occupancy of tin; game hut, by the peasant and his cuttle, in the 

bland of Mull. He had been speaking of the privations of the peasant; he adds: 
'Nor are his cattle In a better situation ; in summer they pick op a scanty support 

tmong the morasses and heathy mountains, but, in winter, when the ground ih cov- 
ered with Hnow, and when the naked wilds afford them neither shelter oor subsis- 
tence, the few COWS, small, lean, and ready to drop lor want of pasture, are brought 
into the hut where the family reside, and frequently share with them their little 
stock of meal which has been purchased or raised for the family only; while the 

cattle thus sustained, are bled occasionally to afford nourishment for the children 
after the mingled oatmeal and blood has been boiled or made into cakes. 1 



92 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

stocked, even this pasture. He crowded his fields at the rate 
of six or eight beasts or more to an acre. From their natural 
aptitude to fatten, they got into tolerable condition, but not such 
as they might have attained, whether destined for the salesman 
or the butcher. Winter, however, succeeded to summer; no 
provision had been made for it, except for the cows; and the 
beasts that were not properly fed even in the summer, languished 
and starved in the winter. 

"It is contrived, as much as possible, that the calves shall be 
dropped from the first of February to the middle of April. All 
the calves are reared ; and for the first three or four months they 
are allowed to suck three times in the day, but they are not 
permitted to draw any great quantity at a time. In summer all 
the cattle are pastured ; the calves are sent to their dams twice 
in the day, and the strippings, or last part of the milk, is taken 
away by the dairy maid, for it is commonly supposed, that if the 
calf is allowed to draw all the milk he can, it will keep the dam 
in low condition, and prevent her being in calf in proper time. 
The calves are separated from their dams two or three weeks 
before the cast-cows are sent to the cattle-tryst at the end of 
October, for it is believed that if the cows had milk in their 
udders they might be injured in the long journeys they are then 
to take ; the greater part of them being driven as far as the 
lowland districts, whence they gradually find their way to the 
central and southern counties of England. 

" The calves are housed in the beginning of November, and 
are highly fed on hay and roots (for the raising of which the 
soil and climate are admirably adapted,) until the month of May. 
When there is plenty of keep, the breeding cows are housed in 
November, but in general they are kept out until three or four 
weeks before calving. In May, the whole cattle are turned out 
to pasture, and, if it is practicable, those of different ages are 
kept separate ; while, by shifting the cattle, the pasture is kept 



HIGHLAND CATTLE. 93 

as much as possible in eatable condition, that is, neither eaten 
too bare, nor allowed to get too rank, or to run into seed. 

"In the winter and the spring, all the cattle except the 
breeding cows are fed in the fields, the grass of which is pre- 
served from the 12th of August to the end of October. When 
these in closures become bare, about the end of December, a little 
hay is taken into the field, with turnips or potatoes, once or twice 
in the day, according to circumstances, until the middle or end 
of April. Few, only, of the farmers have these roots to give 
them, and the feeding of the out-lying cattle with straw is quite 
abolished. If any of them, however, are very materially out 
of condition, they are fed with oats in the sheaf. At two, or 
three, or four years old, all, except the heifers that are retained 
for breeding, are sent to market. 

" There is little or no variety of breeds of cattle in the Hebrides. 
They are pure West Highlanders. Indeed, it is the belief of 
the Hebridean farmer, that no other breed of cattle will thrive 
on these islands, and that the Kyloes could not possibly be 
improved by being crossed with any others. He appeals to his 
uniform experience, and most correctly so in the Hebrides, that 
attempts at crossing have only destroyed the symmetry of the 
Kyloes, and rendered them more delicate, and less suitable to 
the climate and the pasture. 

" By selection from the choicest of the stock, however, the 
West Highlander has been materially improved. The Islay, the 
Isle of Skye, and the Argyleshire beast, readily obtains a con- 
siderably higher price than any other cattle reared in the 
Highlands of Scotland. Mr. M'Neil has been eminently suc- 
cessful in his attempts to improve the native breed. He has 
often obtained 100Z. ($500) for three and four-year-old bulls out 
of his stock; and for one bull he received 200Z. ($1,000.) He 
never breeds from bulls less than three years, or more than ten 
^ears old ; and he disapproves, and rightly in such a climate, of 



94 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

the system of breeding in and in. He also adheres to that 
golden rule of breeding, the careful selection of the female ; and, 
indeed, it is not a small sum that would induce the Hebridean 
farmer to part with any of his picked cows. 

" It will be concluded, from what we have said of the milking 
properties of the Kyloe, that the dairy is considered as a matter 
of little consequence in the Hebrides; and the farmer rarely 
keeps more milk cows than will furnish his family with milk, 
and butter and cheese. The Highland cow will not yield more 
than a third part of the milk that is obtained from the Ayrshire 
one at no great distance on the main land; but that milk is 
exceedingly rich, and the butter procured from it is excellent. 

" The management of the dairy is exceedingly simple, and, 
from the very simplicity of it, other districts may learn a useful 
lesson. The cows are driven as slowly and quietly as possible 
to the fold ; the wild character of the animals, as well as a regard 
to the quality of the milk, show the propriety of this. They 
are carefully drained to the last drop, not only on account of the 
superior richness of the latter portion of the milk, but because 
the retention of any part is apt to hasten, if it does not produce, 
that which is one of the principal objections to the Highland 
cows as milkers, the speedy drying up of their milk. The milk 
is carried to the house with as little disturbance as practicable, 
and put into vessels of not more than two or three inches in 
depth. The cream is supposed to rise more rapidly in these 
shallow vessels ; and it is removed in the course of eighteen 
hours. A cow will not, on the average, yield more than 22 lbs. 
of butter (of 24 oz. each,) in the summer season; she will yield 
about 90 lbs. of cheese, which is much liked by some on account 
of the aromatic flavor which is given to it by the mixture of 
rose-leaves, cinnamon, mace, cloves, and lemon with the rennet. 

" Oxen are never used for the plough or on the road, on any 
of the Hebrides. 



HIGHLAND CATTLE. 95 

"We have stated that more than 20,000 of the Hebridean 
cattle are conveyed to the mainland, some of which find their 
way even to the southernmost counties of England ; but, like 
the other Highland cattle, their journey is usually slow and 
interrupted. Their first resting-place is not a great way from 
the coast, for they are frequently wintered on the coarse pastures 
of Dumbartonshire ; and in the next summer, after grazing 
awhile on the lower grounds, they are driven farther south, 
where they are fed during the second winter on turnips and hay. 
In April they are in good condition, and prepared for the early 
grass, on which they are finished. 

"Many of these small cattle are permanently arrested in their 
journey, and kept on low farms to consume the coarse grass, 
which other breeds refuse to eat; these are finished off on 
turnips, which are given them in the field about the end of 
Autumn, and they are sold about Christmas." 

AS A BEEF ANIMAL, 

The flesh of the West Highland ox, is considered of the best 
quality in the London markets, and usually worth Id., or two 
cents per pound more than that of the ordinary breeds. He is 
usually put upon high feed at three years old, and in good pas- 
ture in summer, and a full allowance of turnips and meal, with 
plenty of hay or straw in winter, is fitted for the shambles at 
about four years old. Taken from their native ranges, and put 
upon the rich feed of the better lands, they, thrive and ripen 
wonderfully, and make flesh more rapidly than any other cattle. 
It is the habit of many English noblemen, as they visit, with 
their families and numerous retinue, their several estates and 
castles during the "country season," to have a herd of Highland 
bullocks driven by their servants, to supply their table with 
beef — the small, compact size of these cattle, as well as the 
superiority of their flesh, eminently fitting them for the purpose. 



96 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



The animal lays his flesh generously on the choice parts, and it 
is so interlarded with fat as to make it beautifully marbled, — a 
capital point in its feeding. The weight of a well fed bullock 
ranges from 600 to 800 pounds — flesh, hide, and tallow. 

■mil Ife 




Plate 11. West Highland Ox. 

After saymg thus much, and at such length, of the Highland 
cattle, giving Youatt's admirable account of them, we may sum 
up their qualities pretty much as follows : They are an original 
breed, bred for untold centuries in one of the roughest climates; 
of great hardihood and endurance ; homogeneous in their natures 
and habits; strong in blood, with a tendency and power to 
transmit it upon anything with which they may be connected. 
The cows are not fitted for the dairy, nor is it necessary they 
should be for the purposes to which they are intended, yet giving 
milk enough to rear their progeny well. They mature early, 
and when matured are full in all their points. They feed their 
pastures closely, are active in movement, capable of ranging 
over wide fields, gathering their subsistance without trouble, 
adapted to climates and soils where other cattle would glean a 



HIGHLAND CATTLE. 97 

bare subsistence, and thus a valuable race to introduce into the 
regions of country which we have named. 

The manner of doing this would be simple. A cargo of them 
might be selected near Glasgow, Scotland, where the choicest of 
them may be purchased at an average not exceeding $150 each, 
and shipped to New York, or Boston; thence transported 
cheaply in return cattle trains westward, which usually go empty, 
and then distributed to their destinations. We know of no cat- 
tle enterprise, for the purposes we have named, conducted with 
proper intelligence and spirit, which can promise more fairly and 
profitably; and we hope to see it undertaken by men whose 
means and foresight are equal to the object. A cargo of one 
hundred, about equally divided between bulls and cows, might 
come out by way of experiment. A single bull or two should 
be retained with the cows for thorough breeding, and the remain- 
der might be placed with small native cows, for the immediate 
propagation of grades. The progeny of these cows, continu- 
ously put to thorough bred bulls, would soon raise them to that 
degree of blood to satisfy the main object of their introduction, 
and in a comparatively few years, for all practical purposes, they 
would become an established race, with but a fraction of the 
American blood remaining in them; and finally — holding con- 
tinuously to the pure blooded bulls in propagation — become all 
that we need in that description of cattle. Thus, our far south- 
western grazing regions which now send us only the ragged and 
comparatively worthless Texan cattle, and the far north-western 
wilds which send us none at all, together with our intermediate 
mountain ranges, would ultimately — even shortly — furnish our 
interior rich lands with grazing material for the best of beef, and 
our markets would be supplied with the choicest of flesh for 
consumption. 

Our suggestions on this subject are not visionary — not even 
enthusiastic. We only open one of those sure fields of enter- 
5 



98 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



prise, which, compared with every day ventures, even in the 
agricultural line, usually so common-place and probable, may 
lead to success and fortune. We hope yet to see the Highland 
cattle introduced into the country. Their introduction could be 
no bar to the progress of the other valuable breeds We have 
now among us, as these latter must always occupy our good 
soils, on which, if the Highland cattle were placed, they would 
soon lose their distinctive qualities and become mere common 
things. They are never bred on the good land of Scotland or 
England. 




West Highland Cow 
We give above, the portrait of a beautiful dun, or light mouse- 
colored Highland cow, in the possession of Captain Gunter, at 
Witherby, Yorkshire, England, drawn purposely for this work 
from life, last summer, by our artist, Mr. Page. A more per- 
fectly developed animal, in her flesh producing qualities, can 
hardly be found of any breed in the bovine race. 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE GALLOWAYS, ANGUS, OR POLLED ABERDEEN. 

These are a polled, or hornless, race, originating in the low- 
lands and extreme south-western part of Scotland, taking their 
name from the district where they have been mainly bred. We 
let Youatt speak of them : 

" The stewartry of Kirkcudbright and the shire of Wigton, 
with a part of Ayrshire and Dumfries, formed the ancient 
province or kingdom of Galloway. The two first counties 
possess much interest with us as the native district of a breed 
of polled, or dodded, or *humble cattle, highly valued in some 
of the southern Scottish counties, and in almost every part of 
England, for its grazing properties. So late as the middle of the 
last century, the greater part of the G-alloway cattle were horned 
— they were middle-horns ; but some of them were polled — they 
were either remnants of the native breed, or the characteristic 
of the aboriginal cattle would be occasionally displayed, although 
many a generation had passed. 

"For more than one hundred and fifty years the surplus cattle 
of Galloway had been sent far into England, and principally to 
the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. The polled beasts were 
always favorites with the English farmers ; they fattened as 
kindly as the others, they attained a larger size, their flesh lost 
none of its firmness of grain, and they exhibited no trace of 
the wildness and dangerous ferocity which were sometimes serious 



" * Dr. Johnson gives a curious derivation of the term humble. He says of their 
black cattle (Journey to the Western Isles, p. 186) : ' Some are without horns, 
called by the Scots humble cows, as we call a bee a humble bee that wants a sting.' " 



100 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

objections to the Highland breed. Thence it happened that, in 
process of time, the horned breed decreased, and was at length 
quite superseded by the polled ; except that, now and then, to 
show the uncertainty of the derivation of the breed, a few of 
the Galloways would have diminutive horns, but these were of 
a very curious nature, for they were attached to the skin and 
not to the skull. 

"The agriculture of Galloway, like that of every part of 
Scotland, was in a sadly deplorable state until about 1786, when 
the Earl of Selkirk became desirous of effecting some improve- 
ment in the management of his estates, both in the shire and 
the stewartry. He was, however, too far advanced in life to 
engage personally in the business, and he delegated the whole 
management of his property to one of his sons, Lord Daer. 

"This young nofeleman entered enthusiastically into the views 
of his father, and although he encountered much opposition, and 
many a difficulty, from the ignorance and prejudice of the ten- 
antry, he was beginning to possess the satisfaction of witnessing 
the accomplishment of several of his projects, when he was 
carried off by consumption, at the age of thirty. His plans, 
however, were adopted and zealously pursued by his brother, 
who succeeded to the earldom, and Galloway owes much of its 
prosperity to these liberal and patriotic noblemen. 

"In addition to the Selkirk family, we may reckon among the 
most zealous and successful improvers of the breed of Galloway 
cattle, the Murrays of Broughton, the Herons of Kirrouchtrie, 
the Gordons of Greenlaw, the Maxwells of Munches, and the 
Maitlands in the valley of Tarff in Kirkcudbright ; and in 
Wigton, the Earls of Galloway, the Maxwells of Mouneith, the 
M'Dowals of Logan, the Cathcarts of Genoch, the Hathorns of 
Castle- Wig, and the Stewarts of Phygell. 

"For much of the description of the Galloway beast, and for 
the greater part of our account of the management of the cattle 



THE GALLOWAYS. 101 

m that district, we are indebted to an old, and skillful, and well- 
known breeder, whose name we regret that we are enjoined to 
withhold; but he will accept our thanks, and at some future 
period, possibly, the public will know to whom we and they are 
much indebted. 

"The Galloway cattle are straight and broad in the back, and 
nearly level from the head to the rump. They are round in the 
ribs, and also between the shoulders and the ribs, and the ribs 
and the loins. They are broad in the loin, without any large 
projecting hook bones. In roundness of barrel, and fullness of 
ribs, they will compare with any breed, and also in the propor- 
tion which the loins bear to the hook bones, or protuberances of 
the ribs. The Rev. Mr. Smith, the author of the Survey of 
G-alloway, says that, 'when viewed from above, the whole body 
appears beautifully rounded, like the longitudinal section of a 
roller.' They are long in the quarters and ribs, and deep in the 
chest, but not broad in the twist. The slightest inspection will 
show that there is less space, between the hook or hip bones and 
the ribs, than in most other breeds, a consideration of much 
importance, for the advantage of length of carcass, consists in 
the animal being well ribbed home ; or as little as possible lost in 
the flank. 

"The Galloway is short in the leg, and moderately fine in the 
shank bones, — the happy medium seems to be preserved in the 
leg, which secures hardihood and a disposition to fatten. With 
the same cleanness and shortness of shank, there is no breed so 
large and muscular above the knee, while there is more room for 
the deep, broad and capacious chest. He is clean, not fine and 
slender, but well proportioned in the neck and chaps; a thin and 
delicate neck would not correspond with the broad shoulders, 
deep chest, and close, compact form of the breed. The neck of 
the Galloway bull is thick, almost to a fault. The head is rather 
heavy; the eyes are not prominent, and the ears are large, rough, 
and full of long hairs on the inside. 



102 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



" The Galloway is covered with a loose, mellow skin of medium 
thickness, and which is clothed with long, soft, silky hair. The 
skin is thinner than that of the Leicestershire, but not so fine as 
the hide of the improved Durham breed, but it handles soft and 
kindly. Even on the moorland farms, where the cattle, during 
the greater part of the year, are fed on the scantiest fare, it is 
remarkable how little their hides indicate the privations they 
endure. 




Plate 12. Galloway Bull. 

"The prevailing and the fashionable color is black — a few are 
of a dark brindled brown, and still fewer are speckled with white 
spots, and some of them are of a dun or drab color, perhaps 
acquired from a cross with the Suffolk breed of cattle. Dark 
colors are uniformly preferred, from the belief that they indicate 
hardness of constitution.* 



"*Mr. Culley, who is great authority in these cases, thus describes the Gallo- 
ways : ' In most respects, except wanting horns, these cattle resemble the long- 
horns, both in color and shape, only they are shorter in their form, which probably 
makes them weigh less. Their hides seem to be a medium between the long and the 
short-horns ; not so thick as the former, nor so thin as the latter ; and, like the best 
feeding kind of long-horns, they lay their fat upon the most valuable parts, and their 
beef is well marbled or mixed with fat. They are mostly bred upon the moors or 



THE GALLOWAYS. 



103 



"This cut represents the Galloway bullock, almost ready for 
the butcher. The beautifully level laying on of the flesh and 
fat, will not escape the notice of the reader. 




Galloway Ox. 

"The breeding of cattle has been, from time almost imme- 
morial, the principal object of pursuit with the Galloway farmer; 
indeed, it is calculated that more than thirty thousand beasts are 
sent to the south every year. "The soil and face of the country 
are admirably adapted for this. The soil, although rich, is dry 



hilly country in Galloway, until rising four or five years old, when they are taken to 
the fairs in Norfolk and Suffolk, previous to the turnip feeding season, whence the 
greater part of them are removed in the winter and spring (when fat) to supply the 
consumption of the capital, where they are readily sold, and at high prices, for few 
or no cattle sell so high in Smithfield market, owing to their laying their fat on the 
most valuable parts ; and it is no unusual thing to see one of these little bullocks 
outsell a coarse Lincolnshire bullock, although the latter is heavier by several 
stones.'' " 

u Mr. Lawrence says, in his excellent treatise on cattle, that 'the pure Galloway 
breed exists, perhaps, no where in original purity, except in the moors of Monigaff, 
and Glenlove, and that these cattle are thinner in the hind quarters, than such as 
have been crossed by other breeds.' " 



104 amp:rican cattle. 

and healthy, particularly in the lower districts, the substratum 
being either gravel or schistus rock. There are many large 
tracts of old grass land, that have not been ploughed during any 
one's recollection, and which still maintain their superior fertility ; 
while the finer pastures are thickly covered with natural white 
clover, and other valuable grasses. The surface of the ground is 
irregular, sometimes rising into small globular hills, and at other 
times into abrupt banks, and thus forming small fertile glens, and 
producing shelter for the cattle in the winter, and early vegeta- 
tion in the spring. In the low districts there is little frost and 
snow, but the climate is mild and rather moist; and thus a 
languid vegetation is supported during the winter, and the pas- 
tures constantly retain their verdure. 

"The calves are reared in a manner peculiar to Galloway. 
From the time they are dropped, they are permitted to suck the 
mother more or less, as long as she gives milk.* During the 
first four or five months they are allowed, morning and evening, 
a liberal supply ; generally more than half the milk of the cow. 
The dairy-maid takes the milk from the teats on one side, while 
the calf draws it at the same time, and exclusively, from the 
other side. When the calf begins to graze a little, the milk is 
abridged, by allowing the calf to suck only a shorter time, and 
he is turned upon the best young grass on the farm. In winter, 
he is uniformly housed during the night, and fed upon hay, with 
a few turnips, or potatoes; for the breeder knows that, if he is 

" * Mr. Culley gives a curious account of this : ' The calves, from the time they are 
dropped, until able to support themselves, are allowed to run with their dams, but 
are prevented from sucking by means of a small piece of leather, with sharp spikes 
of iron fixed upon the outside, tied upon the upper part of the calf's nose, which, by 
pricking the cow every time the calf attempts to suck, prevents her from letting it, 
until the milk-maid comes, when she takes oil* the muzzle from the little animal's 
nose, and while she strips two of the teats, the calf takes care to empty the other 
two. As soon as the maid has done, she fixes on the instrument again, but it is 
done in such a manner as not to hinder the calf from feeding upon the grass.' 
This might have been the practice in Mr. Culley's time, but little or nothing of it is 
seen now." [Culley wrote in the latter part of the last century. L. F. A.] 



THE GALLOWAYS. 105 

neglected or stinted in his food during the first fifteen months, 
he does not attain his natural size, nor does he feed so well 
afterwards. 

"The practice of allowing the calf to suck its mother, is 
objected to by some, and is apparently slovenly, and not econom- 
ical; but the rearing of cattle is considered of more importance 
than the money that could be realized from the milk and butter 
saved by starving the calf. It is also imagined that the act of 
sucking produces a plentiful supply of saliva, which materially 
contributes to the digestion of the milk and the health of the 
calf. The Galloway farmer maintains that an evident difference 
may be perceived between the calf that sucks its dam, and 
another that is fed from the pail — the coat of the former is sleek 
and glossy, indicating health ; while the hide of the other is dry 
and hard, nor is the unthrifty appearance removed until some 
time after the animal has been weaned and fed wholly on grass. 
It is also said that a greater proportion of calves, fed from the 
pail die of stomach complaints, than of those that suck the cow. 

"It is desirable that the calves should be dropped in the latter 
part of winter or in the beginning of spring. A Galloway 
farmer attaches a great deal of importance to this, for he finds 
that nearly a year's growth and profit is lost if the calf is born 
in the middle of the summer. 

" The regular Galloway breeders rarely sell any of their calves 
for veal;* that is obtained only from those who keep cows for 

" *It is an old proverb in Galloway, that a good farmer would rather kill his son 
than a calf. ' The people of this country do very seldom, or rather not at all, kill 
or sell their calves, aa they do in other places, so that it is a rare thing to see veal, 
except sometimes, and at some few gentlemen's tables. They give two reasons for 
this : one is, because, they say, a cow will not give down her milk without her calf, 
and so, should they sell or kill the calfe, they should want the use of the cow ; but 
this, I suppose, might be helped, would they but traine up the cow otherwise at her 
first calving. The other reason is of more weight, viz.: since a great part of their 
wealth consists in the product of their cattel, they think it very ill husbandry to 
sell that for a shilling, which, in time, would yeeld pounds. 1 — Symson's ' Large 
Account of Galloway,' 1682." 
5* 



106 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

supplying the villagers with milk, and from the few dairy farms 
where cows are kept for making cheese. 

"The best heifers are retained as breeders, in order to supply 
the place of those whose progeny is not valuable, or who are 
turned off on account of their age. The other female calves 
are spayed during the first year. The spayed heifers are usually 
smaller than the bullocks, but they arrive sooner at maturity ; 
they fatten readily ; their meat is considered more delicate, and 
in proportion to their size, they sell at higher prices than the 
bullocks. 

" Mr, Culley says, ' In Galloway, they spay more heifers than 
perhaps in all the island besides, and in this too their method 
is different from any other part I am acquainted with, for they 
do not castrate them until they are about a year old, whereas in 
every other place I know, the heifer calves are spayed from one 
to three months old ; and it is now generally admitted as the 
safest practice to castrate calves and lambs, male or female, 
while very young.' They are now generally spayed much 
earlier than they used to be, but some of the breeders adhere to 
the old custom. 

" The young cattle are rarely housed after the first winter ; 
they are on their pastures day and night, but in cold weather, 
they receive hay and straw in the fields, supporting themselves 
otherwise on the foggage left unconsumed after the summer grass. 
Many of the farmers are beginning to learn their true interest, and 
the pastures are not so much overstocked in summer as they used 
to be, and a portion of herbage is left for the cattle in the winter ; 
therefore, although the beasts are not in high condition in the 
spring, they had materially increased in size, and are in a proper 
state to be transferred to the rich pastures of the lower district. 

"The following were the proportions of a fat heifer of this 
breed : Height of shoulder, 5ft. 2in.; length from nose to rump, 
10ft. 4in.; width across the hip, 2ft. 6in.; across the middle of the 



THE GALLOWAYS. 



107 



back, 3ft.; across the shoulders, 2ft. 4in.; girth of leg below knee, 
8in.; distance of breast from the ground, lft. 3Hin.; width 
between fore legs, lft. 5in. The live weight was 1520 pounds. 
She was exhibited at the Smithfield cattle show, and her portrait 
engraved under the sanction of the club. 




Plate 14. Galloway Cow, four years old. 

This cut is an accurate portrait of a beautiful young Galloway 
cow, in Canada "West, as taken by our artist. 

" The Galloway cows are not good milkers ; but although the 
quantity of the milk is not great, it is rich in quality, and yields 
a large proportion of butter. A cow that gives from twelve to 
sixteen quarts of milk per day, is considered a very superior 
milker, and that quantity produces more than a pound and a half 
of butter. The average milk, however, of a Galloway cow, 
cannot be reckoned at more than six or eight quarts per day, 
during the five summer months after feeding her calf. During 
the next four months she does not give more than half of that 
quantity, and for two or three months she is dry. 



108 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

"A bullock well fattened, will weigh from 560 to 840 pounds, 
net, at three or three and a half years old, and some have been 
fed to more than 1400 pounds at five years old. 

"There is, perhaps, no breed of cattle which can be more 
truly said ..to be indigenous to the country, and incapable of 
improvement by any foreign cross, than the Galloways. The 
short-horns almost every where else have improved the cattle of 
the districts to which they have traveled. They have, at least 
in the first cross, produced manifest improvement, although the 
advantage has not often been prolonged much beyond the 
second generation; but even in the first cross, the short-horns 
have done little good in Galloway, and, as a permanent mixture, 
the choicest southern bulls have manifestly failed. The intelli- 
gent Galloway breeder is now perfectly satisfied that his stock 
can only be improved by adherence to the pure breed, and by 
care in the selection. 

" The Galloway cattle are generally very docile. This is a 
most valuable point about them in every respect. It is rare to 
find even a bull furious or troublesome." 

After this minute and excellent description by Youatt, little 
further need be said of them at home, and we proceed to speak 
somewhat of 

THE GALLOWAYS IN AMERICA. 

Whether they were imported at an early day into this country, 
in their purity of blood, we have no knowledge ; but as Youatt 
says: "So late as the middle of the last century, (1750,) the 
great part of the Galloways were horned," (which we somewhat 
doubt,) the probabilities of their coming here are light. It is 
certain, however, that polled cattle came over with some of the 
early importations, as such have been known here for more than 
a century past. As they were red, spotted, and of all colors 
usual among our native cattle, they probably were picked up 
from the polled herds of Norfolk or Suffolk, in England, where 



THE GALLOWAYS. 109 

they have abounded for centuries. In the year 1837, we saw a 
very fine, black, polled Galloway cow, at the General Hospital, 
in Philadelphia. How she came there, we could not ascertain. 

About the year 1850, some enterprising Scotch farmers made 
the first importations of Galloways into the vicinity of Toronto, 
in Canada West. They already had the short-horns there, of 
high quality, imported many years before, and some of them 
were kept and much liked by the same farmers who brought out 
the Galloways. But the latter were the cattle of their native 
land, and their attachment to them there was too strong to be 
overlooked or forgotten in their new homes. The cattle pos- 
sessed certain qualities which they found here in no other race, 
and with a characteristic love of their native land, as they loved 
the poetry of Burns, and repeated his songs, they also longed 
for, and sought the cattle of their native hills and heather. 
There must have been several different importations, for in the 
year 1857, we saw upwards of forty of them exhibited by com- 
peting owners at a Provincial agricultural show, at Brantford, 
and have since met them in equal numbers at other shows in the 
Province. 

They were fine cattle — full, round, and comely in form ; robust 
in appearance; showing a ready aptitude to take on flesh; elas- 
tic to the touch ; a good skin, with long, thick, wavy hair ; of 
placid look, and apparently kindly temper. In addition to these 
good qualities, some of their owners declared them to be "good 
milkers." But their indications in that line did not show it, 
although, in practice, there may have been exceptions to what 
we thought indicated an opposite tendency. Their colors were 
black, generally, although we found one or two dull reds, or 
duns, and a brindle (black and red mixed,) among them — which 
colors, according to Youatt, are admissible. Taken altogether, 
the cattle fully answered his description. 



110 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Within the last ten or twelve years several importations of 
the improved Galloway (now more usually called Angus, and 
Aberdeen Polled, as they have for many years been bred and 
improved in Aberdeenshire and other eastern counties of Scot- 
land) have been made into the United States. The first impor- 
tation of particular note was made by a Scottish gentleman, 
Mr. Grant, since deceased, into Kansas, who bred them with 
spirit and intelligence in considerable numbers, and where they 
still remain in the hands of his successors. Crossed on the 
native cows of that region they have achieved a deserved repu- 
tation as beef-producers and are extending in demand for the 
broad ranches of the Western Territories. Mr. Cochrane and 
others of the Canadian Province of Quebec, have made numer- 
ous importations of late, intended for their extensive land pos- 
sessions in the Northern Territories bordering and beyond the 
Missouri River. Mr. Frank B. Redfield, of Batavia, N.Y., has 
also ventured a limited importation, and thus far successfully bred 
them with profitable sales of their produce. 

Their main excellence is in beef production. They are of full 
average size with our largest common cattle, mature as early as 
the Herefords, and in the absence of horns are by some pre- 
ferred as safer in transportation on the railroads to distant city 
markets. The bulls have a remarkable prepotency, like other 
distinct breeds, to impress their characteristics on the miscel- 
laneous bred native cows upon which they are used — a single 
cross making an individuality of appearance and quality every 
way favorable to their use. The cows do not excel as milk- 
producers, and will not be sought for dairy purposes. Their 
milk, however, is rich in cream, and according to the quantity 
yielded gives a satisfactory amount of butter and cheese. We 
consider that they have established a permanent reputation 
among the various breeds which will be maintained in our future 
beef production. 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE AYRSHIRES. 



The third, and with dairymen, the most important variety 
among the Scottish cattle, now comes under our notice. All 
the authorities respecting the origin and history of this noted 
breed, are condensed and fully treated in Youatt. We have read 
and studied several English and Scottish writers on them, and 
heard tales innumerable ; but as they more or less quote Youatt, 
and his authorities, we conclude to make him responsible for 
them all, and add only such observations, as our own personal 
acquaintance of some twenty-five years with them has made us 
familiar. The increasing interest with which the Ayrshire is 
regarded in this country, will justify what we have thought 
proper to insert from that generally correct author : 

" The county of Ayrshire extends along the eastern coast of 
the Firth of Clyde, and the North Channel from Renfrew to 
Wigtonshire, by the former of which it is bordered on the north, 
and by the latter on the south, while it has Kircudbright, Dum- 
fries, and Lanark on the east. It is necessary to mention this, 
in order that the reader may better comprehend the rapid distri- 
bution of the Ayrshire cattle over all these districts. The 
climate is moist but mild; and the soil, with its produce, is 
calculated to render it the finest dairy country in Scotland, and 
equal perhaps to any in Great Britain. 

"Mr. Aiton, in his 'Treatise on the Dairy Breed of Cows,' 
thus describes the Ayrshire cattle : ' The shapes most approved 
of in the dairy breed, are as follows : 



112 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" 'Head small, but rather long and narrow at the muzzle ; the 
eye small, but smart and lively; the horns small, clear, crooked, 
and their roots at considerable distance from each other; neck 
long and slender, tapering towards the head, with no loose skin 
below ; shoulders thin ; fore-quarters light ; hind-quarters large ; 
hack straight, broad behind, the joints rather loose and open ; 
carcass deep, and pelvis capacious, and wide over the hips, with 
round fleshy buttocks .* Tail long and small ; legs small and 
short, with firm joints; udder capacious, broad and square, 
stretching forward, and neither fleshy, low hung nor loose ; the 
milk veins large and prominent; teats short, all pointing outwards, 
and at considerable distance from each other; skin thin and 
loose; hair soft and woolly. The head, bones, horns, and all 
parts of least value, small ; and the general figure compact and 
well proportioned.' 

"Mr. Aiton also informs us, that ' the Ayrshire farmers prefer 
their dairy-bulls, according to the feminine aspect of their heads 
and necks ; and wish them not round behind, but broad at the 
hook-bones and hips, and full in the flanks. 

" ' The qualities of a cow are of great importance. Tameness 
and docility of temper greatly enhance the value of a milk cow. 
Some degree of hardiness, a sound constitution, and a moderate 
degree of life and spirits, are qualities to be wished for in a dairy 
cow, and what those of Ayrshire generally possess. The most 
valuable quality which a dairy cow can possess, is, that she yields 
much milk, and that of an oily or butyraceous, or caseous nature, 
and that after she has yielded very large quantities of milk for 
several years, she shall be as valuable for beef as any other 
breed of cows known ; her fat shall be much more mixed through 
the whole flesh, and she shall fatten faster than any other.' " 

" * Mr. Rankine very properly remarks, that, ' compared with other improved 
breeds, the thighs, or what is called the twist of the Ayrshire cow, are thin. She 
is, characteristically, not a fleshy animal.' " 



THE AYRSHIRES. 



113 



We give a cut of the most fashionable modern style of the 
Ayrshire cow, of late importation, drawn from life. 




Plate 15. Ayrshire Cow. 

" The origin of the Ayrshire cow, is even at the present day 
a matter of dispute ; all that is certainly known about her, is, 
that a century ago, (1733,) there was no such breed in Cunning- 
ham, or Ayrshire, or Scotland. Did the Ayrshire cattle arise 
entirely from a careful selection of the best of the native breed ? 
— if they did, it is a circumstance unparalleled in the history of 
agriculture. The native breed may be ameliorated by careful 
selection, its value may be incalculably increased ; some good 
qualities — some of its best qualities — may be for the first time 
developed ; but yet there will be some resemblance to the origi- 
nal stock, and the more we examine the animal, the more clearly 
we can trace out the characteristic points of the ancestor, 
although every one of them improved. 

"Mr. Aiton gives the following description of the Ayrshire 
cattle, (1783,) fifty years ago: 'The cows kept in the districts 



114 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

of Kyle and Cunningham, were of a diminutive size, ill-fed, 
ill-shaped, and they yielded but a scanty return in milk; they 
were mostly of a black color, with large stripes of white along 
the chine, or ridge of their backs, about their flanks, and on their 
faces. Their horns were high and crooked, having deep ringlets 
at the root, the plainest proof that the cattle were but scantily 
fed ; the chine of their backs stood up high and narrow ; their 
sides were lank, short and thin ; their hides thick and adhering 
to the bones ; their hair was coarse and open, and few of them 
yielded more than six or eight quarts of milk per day, when in 
their best plight; or weighed, when fat, more than from 300 to 
400 pounds avoirdupois, sinking offal. ' 

" He very naturally adds — 'It was impossible that these cattle, 
,fed as they then were, could be of great weight, well-shaped, or 
yield much milk. Their only food in winter and spring, was 
oat straw, and what they could pick up in the fields, to which 
they were turned out almost every day, with a mash of a little 
corn with chaff daily, for a few weeks after calving, and their 
pasture in summer was of the very worst quality; and that 
coarse pasture was so overstocked, and eaten so bare, that the 
cattle were half-starved.' " 

" If Mr. Aiton's description of the present improved Ayrshire 
is correct, the breed is very much changed, and yet there is so 
much indistinct resemblance, that a great deal of it must have 
been done by careful selection, from among the native cattle, and 
better feeding and treatment ; but when we look closer into the 
matter, the shortness, or rather diminutiveness of the horns, their 
width of base and awkward setting on — the peculiar tapering 
towards the muzzle ; the narrowing at the girth ; the bellying ; 
and the prominence of all the bones — these are features which it 
would seem impossible for any selection from the native breed to 
give. While, therefore, the judge of cattle will trace the features 
of the old breed, he will suspect, what general tradition confirms, 



THE AYRSHIRES. 



115 



that it was a fortunate cross, or a succession of crosses with some 
foreign stock, and that, probably, it was the Holderness (an old 
variety of the short-horns — great milkers,) that helped to pro- 
duce the improved Cunningham cattle. 

We give a correct cut of a modern Ayrshire bull, of late 
importation, drawn from life, in which will be seen more round- 
ness and symmetry of style, than in the bulls of even twenty 
years ago. 




'^•>«.~a.'a>*< 



Plate 16. Ayrshire Bull. 

" In many a district, the attempt to introduce the Teeswatei 
breed, (short-horns,) or to establish a cross from it, had palpably 
failed, for the soil and the climate suited only the hardihood of 
the Highlander ; but here was a mild climate — a dairy country ; 
the Highlander was in a manner out of his place ; he had 
degenerated, and the milking properties of the Holderness, and 
her capability of ultimately fattening, although slowly, and at 
considerable expense, happily amalgamated with his hardihood, 
and disposition to fatten, and there resulted a breed, bearing 
about it the stamp of its progenitors, and, to a very considerable 
degree, the good qualities of both. 



116 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

"Mr. Robertson, in his 'Rural Recollections,' says: 'Who 
introduced the present breed is not very precisely ascertained, 
but the late Colonel Fullarton, whose account of ' The Husbandry 
of Ayrshire,' which was published in 1793, and whose authority 
is of considerable weight in everything relating to it, states, 
that a gentleman of long experience, Mr. Bruce Campbell, 
asserts that this breed was introduced by the late Earl of 
Marchmont.' The Earl of Marchmont, alluded to, must have 
been that Alexander Hume Campbell, who married Margaret 
Campbell, heiress of Assnoch, in the same parish, and who 
became Earl of Marchmont in 1724, and died in 1740. The 
introduction then, of this dairy stock, must have happened be- 
tween these two dates, and so far corresponds with the tradition- 
ary account. 

" Mr. Robertson goes on to say : ' From what particular part 
of the country they came, there appears no evidence. My own 
conjecture is, 'that they are either of the Holderness breed, or 
derived from it ; judging from the varied color, or, from some- 
what better evidence, the small head and slender neck, in which 
they bear a striking resemblance to them.'* 

" These cattle, from which, by crosses with the native breed, 
the present improved Ayrshire arose, were first introduced on 

" * Some breeders, however, have maintained that they were produced from the 
native cow, crossed by the Alderney bull. It requires but one moment's inspection 
of the animals, to convince us that this supposition is altogether erroneous. 

"In Rawlin's ; Complete Cow-doctor,' published at Glasgow, in 1794, the follow- 
ing account is given of the Ayrshire cattle at that time : ' They have another breed 
called the Dunlop cows, which are allowed to be the best race for yielding milk in 
Great Britain or Ireland, not only for large quantities, but also for richness in 
quality. It is said to be a mixture, by bulls brought from the Island of Alderney, 
with their own cows. These are of a small size. These are allowed to yield more 
milk daily than from any other kind of cattle, when a just comparison is made of 
their size and pasture. They are much leaner and thinner than any other of the 
Scotch or English breeds, when in the best grass. They are not deemed a race of 
handsome cattle, but rather the contrary, being shaped more like the (common) Dutch 
breed than any of the natives of Scotland. Their horns are small, and stand remark- 
ably awkward ; their color is generally pied, or of a sandy red, varying in this from 
all other races.' " 



THE AYBSHIRES. 117 

Lord Marchmont's estates in Berwickshire. They were soon 
afterwards carried to the farms belonging to the same nobleman, 
at Sornbergh, in Kyle. A bull of the new stock was sold to Mr. 
Hamilton of Sundrum ; then Mr. Dunlop, in Cunningham, im- 
ported some of the Dutch cattle, and their progeny was long 
afterwards distinguished by the name of the Dunlop cows. These 
were the first of the improved, or stranger breed, that reached 
the baillery of Cunningham. Mr. Orr, about the year 1767, 
brought to his estate of Grongar, near Kilmarnock, some fine milch 
cows of a larger size than any which had been on the farm. It 
was not, however, until about 1780, that this improved breed 
might be said to be duly estimated, or generally established in 
that part of Ayrshire, although they had begun to extend 
beyond the Irvine, into Kyle. About 1790, according to Mr. 
Aiton, Mr. Fulton from Blith, carried them first into Carrick, and 
Mr. Wilson, of Kilpatrick, was the first who took them to the 
southern parts of that district. So late as 1804, they were intro- 
duced on the estate of Penmore, on the Stonchar, and they are 
now the established cattle of Ayrshire; they are increasing in the 
neighboring counties, and have found their way to most parts of 
Britain. 

" The breed has much improved since Mr. Aiton described it, 
and is short in the leg; the neck a little thicker at the shoulder, 
but finely shaped towards the head ; the horns smaller than those 
of the Highlanders, but clear and smooth, pointing forwards, and 
turning upwards, and tapering to a point. They are deep in the 
carcass, but not round and ample, and especially not so in the 
loins and haunches. Some, however, have suspected, and not 
without reason, that an attention to the shape and beauty, and 
an attempt to produce fat and sleeky cattle, which may be 
admired at the show, has a tendency to improve what is only 
their second point — their quality as grazing cattle — and that at 
the hazard or the certainty of diminishing their value as milkers 



118 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" We agree with Mr. Aiton, that the excellency of a dairy 
cow is estimated by the quantity and the quality of her milk. 
The quantity yielded by the Ayrshire cow is, considering her size, 
very great. Five gallons daily, for two or three months after 
calving, may be considered as not more than an average quantity. 
Three gallons daily will be given for the next three months, and 
one gallon and a half during the succeeding four months. This 
would amount to more than 850 gallons ; but, allowing for some 
unproductive cows, 600 gallons per year may be considered as 
the average quantity obtained annually from each cow. 

" The quality of the milk is estimated by the quantity of butter 
or cheese that it will yield. Three gallons and a half of this milk 
will yield about a pound and a half avoirdupois, of butter. An 
Ayrshire cow may be reckoned to yield 257 English pounds of 
butter per annum, or about five pounds per week all the year 
round, beside the value of the butter-milk and her calf. 

" When the calculation is formed, according to the quantity of 
cheese that is usually produced, the following will be the result : 
— twenty-eight gallons of milk, with the cream, will yield 24 
pounds of sweet-milk cheese, or 514 pounds avoirdupois per 
annum, beside the whey and the calf.* 

"This is certainly an extraordinary quantity of butter and 
cheese, and fully establishes the reputation of the Ayrshire cow, 
so far as the dairy is concerned, f 

" * A Scotch pint is nearly two English quarts. An Ayrshire pound consists of 24 
ounces, and sixteen of these pounds, or 24 pounds avoirdupois, make a stone. Mr. 
Fullarton, in his ' Statistical Account of Dulry,' in this county, states that in 1794, 
before the establishment of this improved Ayrshire cow, each cow would yield, on 
the average, in the course of the season, 18 stones, or 288 lbs. of sweet-milk cheese." 

" t In some experiments conducted at the Earl of Chesterfield's dairy, at Bradley- 
Hall farm, it appeared that, in the height of the season, the Holderness would 
yield 7 gallons and a quart ; the long-horn and the Alderney, 4 gallons 3 quarts ; and 
the Devon, 4 gallons 1 pint per day ; and when this was made into butter, the result 
was, from the Holderness, 38% ounces ; from the Devon, 28 ounces ; and from the 
Alderney, 25 ounces. The Ayrshire yields 5 gallons per day, and from that is pro- 
duced 34 ounces of butter." 



THE AYRSHIRES. 119 

11 Mr. Aiton rates the profit of the Ayrshire cow at a high 
value. He says : ' To sum up all in one sentence, I now repeat 
that hundreds and thousands of the best Scotch dairy cows, when 
they are in their best condition and well fed, yield at the rate of 
2000 Scotch pints of milk (1000 gallons) in one year; that, in 
general, from 73^ to 8 pints (3% to 4 gallons) of their milk will 
yield a pound of butter, county weight {\% pounds avoirdupois) ; 
that 55 pints (27/£ gallons) of their milk will produce one stone 
and a half, imperial weight, of full milk-cheese. 

" Mr. Rankine, the author of an excellent report of a Kyle 
farm, and some of whose observations, with which we have been 
privately favored, we have embodied in our account of the Ayr- 
shire cattle, very justly, we think, maintains that Mr. Aiton's 
statement is far too high, and his calculations not well founded. 

"'I quote with confidence,' Mr. Rankine proceeds, 'the 
answers to queries which I sent to two individuals. The first is 
a man of superior intelligence and accuracy, and who has devoted 
himself very much to dairy husbandry. He keeps between 
twenty and thirty cows, and his stock has for years been the 
handsomest I ever saw, and his farm being close to a small town, 
he had every inducement to keep them in the highest condition 
that is requisite for giving the largest produce in milk. He states 
that, at the best of the season, the average milk from each is 9 
Scots pints (4M gallons,) and in a year, 1300 Scots pints (650 
gallons) ; that in the summer season, 64 pints (32 gallons) of 
entire milk will make an Ayrshire stone (24 pounds) of cheese ; 
and 96 pints (48 gallons) of skimmed milk will produce the same 
quantity; and that 180 pints (90 gallons) will make 24 pounds 
of butter. 

" 'Another farmer, in a different district of this county, and 
who keeps a stock of between thirty and forty very superior cows, 
and always in condition, states that the average produce of each is 
1375 pints (687/^ gallons). My belief, on the whole, is, that 



120 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

although there may be Ayrshire cows capable of giving 900 gal- 
lons in the year, it would be difficult to bring half a score of them 
together; and that in stocks of the greater number, most care- 
fully selected, and liberally fed, from 650 to 700 gallons is the 
very highest produce of each in the year.' 

"Mr. Rankine concludes with giving his experience on his 
own farm, the soil of which is of an inferior nature, and on 
which his cows produced about 550 gallons per cow. 

"We have entered at considerable length into this, because it 
is of some importance to ascertain the real value and produce of 
this celebrated Scottish breed of cattle, and also to correct an 
error in an agricultural work, deservedly a standard one in Scot- 
land, and which may otherwise be implicitly relied on. 

"The fattening properties of the Ayrshire cattle we believe to 
be a little exaggerated. They will feed kindly and profitably, 
and their meat will be good. They will fatten on farms and in 
districts where others could not be made to thrive at all, except 
partly or principally supported by artificial food. They unite, 
perhaps, to a greater degree than any other breed, the supposed 
incompatible properties of yielding a great deal of milk and 
beef. It is, however, as Mr. Rankine well observes, on the 
inferior soil and the moist climate of Ayrshire, and the west of 
Scotland, that their superiority as milkers is most remarkable. 
On their natural food, of poor quality, they give milk abundantly 
and long, and often until within a few days of calving. In their 
own country, a cow of a fleshy make, and which seldom proves 
a good milker, may be easily raised from 560 to 700 pounds, and 
bullocks of three years old are brought to weigh from 700 to 840 
pounds weight. There is a lurking tendency to fatten about 
them, which good pasture will bring to light; so that when the 
Ayrshire cow is sent to England, she loses her superiority as a 
milker, and begins to accumulate flesh. On this account it is 
that the English dealers who purchase the Ayrshire cows, generally 



THE AYRSHIRES. 121 

select the coarsest animals they can find, in order to avoid the con- 
sequence of the change of climate and food. It is useless to 
exaggerate the qualities of any cattle, and it cannot be denied, 
that even in this tendency to fatten when their milk begins to 
fail, or which often causes it to fail, the Ayrshires must yield to 
their forefathers, the Highlanders, and also to their neighbors, 
the Galloways, when put on a poor soil; and they will be left 
considerably behind their short-horn sires, when transplanted to 
luxuriant pasture. It will be long, perhaps, before they will be 
favorites with the butchers, for the fifth quarter will not usually 
weigh well in them. Their fat is mingled with the flesh, rather 
than separated in the form of tallow ; yet this would give a more 
beautiful appearance to the meat, and should enhance its price to 
the consumer. 

"Two circumstances, however, may partially account for their 
not being thought to succeed so well when grazed: they are 
not able to travel so far on the same keeping, as the Highland 
cattle can do; and, from their great value as milkers, they are 
often kept until they are too old to fatten to advantage, or for 
their beef to become of the best quality. 

"The advantage of feeding well in winter, and sending a cow 
to grass in good condition, is now generally understood; but the 
defect in practice is, that what can be afforded to the cow in this 
way, is given only while they are in milk, or when they calve. 
The return is, indeed, rendered more immediate, but it would be 
still more advantageous if a fair portion of the proper winter's 
food were given to the dairy cows, after they were dry of milk. 

"Mr. Aiton gives a satisfactory account of the rearing of dairy 
stock. They are selected from parents of the best quality, and 
few are brought up that are not of the fashionable color. Those 
are preferred that are dropped about the end of March, or the 
beginning of April, as they are ready for the early grass, and 
attain some size before winter, 
ti 



122 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" Calves reared for dairy stock are not allowed to suck their 
dams, but are always fed by the hand from a dish. They are 
generally fed on milk, only for the first four, five or six weeks, 
and are then allowed from four to five quarts of new milk, twice 
in the twenty-four hours. (Mr. Rankine says 'from 10 to 12 
quarts.') Some never give them any other food when young, 
except milk; and lessen the quantity when the calves begin to 
eat grass or other food, which they will generally do at about 
five weeks old; the milk is totally withdrawn about the seventh 
or eighth week of the calf's age. If, however, the calf is reared 
in the winter, or early in the spring before the grass rises, it 
must be longer supplied with milk, for it will not so soon learn 
to eat hay or straw. Some mix meal with the milk after the 
third or fourth week; others add new whey to the milk, which 
has been first mixed with meal; and when the calf gets two 
months old they withdraw the milk, and feed it on whey and 
porridge. Hay-tea, broths of peas, or of pea straw, linseed 
beaten into powder, treacle, &c, have all been sometimes used 
to advantage in feeding calves; but milk, when it can be spared, 
is the most natural food. 

"The dairy calves are generally fed on the best pasture during 
the first summer, and have some preference over the other stock, 
in food, during the next winter, or they are allowed to run loose 
in a yard with a shed, and are supplied with green food in cribs. 
When the green food is eaten, they get with straw as many 
turnips as can be afforded them, and that is generally a very 
small quantity. Mr. Rankine says that ' there is no reason to 
doubt that this mode of feeding during the first season, is prefer- 
able to pasturing. Besides the excellent dung produced, the 
animals arrive, under this treatment, at a much greater size.' 
Prom that time, until they drop their first calf, they are generally 
turned on inferior pasture, and are no better fed in winter than 
any other species of stock. They are allowed what oat straw 



THE AYRSHIRES. 123 

they can eat during the night and morning, and, except in time 
of snow, are turned out to the fields during the day time. The 
greatest part of the young dairy stock are kept in byres, or in 
sheds during winter, but some are laid out, and supported with 
straw in the fields." 

After these prolonged and exhaustive draughts from Youatt, 
and his authorities, which we consider mainly an argument in 
favor of the Ayrshire — and have thought it a duty in a work of 
this character, to give for the benefit of the great and increasing 
dairy interest of our country — we have something to say on our 
own account about them. And not in a partizan spirit, either, 
but in that of a fair investigation of the breed and its merits. 
And first, as to their origin and history. 

The Ayrshires first began to be imported into the United 
States about the year 1831 — thirty-six years ago. They were 
somewhat different in appearance from the later importations, 
being in color usually deep red, or brown, flecked with white, of 
rather plain look, and having, mostly, Hack noses. In recent 
importations, or those within the last fifteen years, many of them 
have assumed more the " short-horn" colors, the red in them being 
of a lighter shade, and less of it — white being the prevailing 
color in many — and some of them a lively patched roan, with 
yellow noses, and handsome, and more symmetrical forms, but 
alike bearing the marks of good milkers. These remarks may- 
appear inconsequent now, but their bearing will be found in fur- 
ther speaking of their history, and course of breeding. 

In the array of fact, tradition, and inference relating to their 
origin, as given by Youatt, a strange jumble is made of their 
history, and still, most of the relations given by the authorities 
may be admitted. The fact that the common Scotch, or Kyloe 
cow, previous to the year 1724, was a creature of but ordinary 
value for the dairy, is easily understood; and the "conjecture" 
of Mr. Robertson, that the Earl of Marchmont, in some of the 



124 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

years between 1724 and 1740, brought " Holderness " cattle, or 
"those derived from them," on to his estates to improve the 
dairy qualities of his cows, is probable, as the old Holderness 
cattle were extraordinary milkers, and had the colors described 
in the early Ayrshires. It was on the Earl of Marchmont's 
estate that the improvement in the Ayrshires first began. Some 
years afterwards, it appears that "Mr. Dunlop imported some 
Dutch cattle" and crossed on the Ayrshires, or their immediate 
progenitors. This "Dutch" importation we must be permitted 
to doubt, as by a long standing British order in Council, 
passed previous to, and continued many years after the sup- 
posed Dutch improvement happened, the importation of foreign 
cattle was prohibited. "Mr. Orr, about the year 1767, brought 
to his estate near Kilmarnock, (in Ayrshire,) some fine milk 
cows of a larger size than any which had been on his farm. It 
was not, however, till about 1780, that this improved breed 
might be said to be duly estimated, or generally established in 
that part of Ayrshire." In 1790, and in 1804, the Ayrshires 
were further disseminated, and about the latter year, Mr. Aiton 
takes them up. Youatt also says, "the breed has been much 
improved since Mr. Aiton described it." And now the grand 
question arises: what bulls were used to make that improve- 
ment? for it appears that up to Aiton's time, the Ayrshires were 
a composition of different breeds, based mainly on the Kyloe. 

As Mr. Aiton is made the chief authority for this origin, and 
improvement, we wish that gentleman had been more particular 
in facts, and dates, for he leaves the matter altogether to infer- 
ence, and guess work, as to how the improvements were effected ; 
and in that dilemma we venture a guess. It could be from no 
other than a direct cross of small, compact short-horn bulls, 
descended from the best milking cows in the north-eastern coun- 
ties of England, on the cows descended from the "Holderness" 
bulls of Lord Marchmont, and their crosses from the "conjee- 



THE ATRSHIRES. 125 

tured " Dutch bulls, brought in by Mr. Dunlop. From no other 
race of cattle, either Scotch, English, or Irish, could the improved 
Ayrshires get their shape, color, and milking qualities combined — 
color and shape resembling the short-horns more than any other, 
and the milking quality also possessed by them in an eminent 
degree. And although a persistence in such crosses has been kept 
out of sight, or not acknowledged, the further improvement of 
the Ayrshires shows still greater marks of a continued cross 
from the same quarter. 

The late Mr. Adam - Fergusson, a distinguished statesman, 
farmer, and stock breeder, of Upper Canada, a native, and fifty 
years a resident, and connected with agricultural interests in the 
Lowlands of Scotland, repeatedly informed us that the improve- 
ment of .the Ayrshires was effected by the use of short-horn 
bulls, and the more intelligent of the Scottish agriculturists con- 
sidered them as simply grade short-horns. The Ayrshires resem- 
ble the short-horns more than they do any other cattle, and as 
they do not claim originality in breed, and have been made up 
mainly within the last hundred years, there need be no hesitancy 
in acknowledging both the facts and inferences concerning them. 
That they are a good breed of cattle, useful, and eminently 
qualified for the dairy, and capable of perpetuating among them- 
selves their good qualities, are facts now well established, both 
in Scotland and America; and thus we leave their "origin and 
history." 

THE AYRSHIRES IN AMERICA. 

Their thirty-six years' trial here has been successful. They 
are hardy, healthy, well fitted to our climate, and pastures, and 
prove good milkers, both in the imported originals, and their 
progeny. Their flow of milk is good in quantity, and fair in 
quality; yet, we must be permitted to say, that in this country 
they do not yield so much in quantity, as is alleged they have 
produced in Scotland. The chief reason for this is obvious. 



126 AMEBICAN CATTLE. 

Ayrshire has a moist climate — an almost continuous drizzle of 
rains, or moisture pervading it — making fresh, green pastures ; a 
cooler and more equable temperature in summer, and warmer 
in winter than ours. Our American climate is liable to extremes 
of cold in winter, heat in summer, and protracted droughts, for 
weeks, drying up our herbage. These differences alone account 
for a diminished quantity in the yield of milk from the Scotch, 
to the American Ayrshires. They have softer grasses for hay, 
and plenty of root feeding in winter, which latter we have not. 
This fact of a diminished yield in milk on this side of the 
Atlantic, is acknowledged by those most conversant with them 
in both countries. 

In the year 1837, we visited the Ayrshire herd of the late 
Mr. John P. Oushing, at Watertown, near Boston, Mass. They 
were of the choicest quality, imported by himself, on an order 
sent out to an experienced dealer in Ayrshire cattle, "without 
regard to price, so they were of the best." Two or three of 
the cows were " prize" milkers at home, and certificates, duly 
verified, were sent with them, of the quantities of milk they had 
made. They had then been a year or more at Mr. Cushing's 
farm, and had the best of keep. We questioned the manager as 
to the quantities of milk the cows gave since their arrival, com- 
pared with the certificates. His answer was, "about one-third 
less, on an average. The best prize cow gave 33 quarts per 
day when at her maximum, in Ayrshire, and 22 quarts here, 
and the others in about like proportion; but they are all good 
milkers, and Mr. Cushing is well satisfied with them." We 
simply note the fact of the declension in milk of the Ayrshires 
in this country, knowing the same to have occurred with cows 
of other breeds from England. 

AS A BEEP ANIMAL. 

Youatt says little of the Ayrshires in this particular. We get 
only this: "It will be long, perhaps, before they will be favorites 



THE AYRSHIRES. 127 

with the butchers, for the fifth quarter will not weigh well in 
them. Their fat is mingled with the flesh, rather than separated 
in the form of tallow; yet this would give a more beautiful 
appearance to the meat, and should enhance its price to the con 
sumer." 

We never saw an Ayrshire bullock, and can know little of 
them as beef. We see no good reason, however, why they 
should not make proper animals for slaughter, as their general 
appearance indicates good feeding qualities. Hitherto, attention 
has been drawn chiefly to their milk, and for that reason, proba- 
bly, less attention has been given to their fattening properties. 
That must remain a question for trial. 

After all, we have little doubt that the Ayrshires owe their 
chief qualities, both in milk, as well as in form and color, to their 
short-horn progenitors, on one side. We have no wish to under- 
rate them, and do not. But we have bred, and seen bred by 
others, cows which, if declared to be Ayrshires, would pass 
without suspicion, both in their looks, and milking properties, as 
good specimens of the breed ; and these were simply the produce 
of good native milk cows, from compact, small, short-horn bulls, 
of good milking ancestry. The cuts which we give are accurate 
likenesses of a living bull and cow — both first prize animals — 
descended from a late importation from Ayrshire, which were 
said to be as good as existed in Scotland. A single glance will 
detect their resemblance to the small, compact short-horns, which 
we occasionally meet where they are kept more for their milk 
than for "prize" animals at the exhibitions. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE ALDERNEY JERSEY GUERNSEY OR CHANNEL 

ISLAND CATTLE. 

We regret that Youatt — so elaborate with some other breeds — 
has devoted less than two pages of text to this singular, unique, 
and truly valuable race. And from other English authorities 
we obtain but sketches in various unconnected accounts. Youatt 
calls them — to England — a "foreign breed." Thej are so, 
oeing originally from Normandy, a Province in the north-western 
part of Prance, but they were long ago transplanted, and became 
the peculiar race- belonging to the "British Channel Islands" of 
Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney, lying off the coast of Nor- 
mandy, the latter, smallest of the three, producing only a few 
cattle. 

We glean some partial descriptions of them from foreign pub- 
lications; but as we have them here, probably in as high qualities " 
of breeding and excellence as in their native Islands, we describe 
them as we have seen. Beginning with the head — the most 
characteristic feature — the muzzle is fine, the nose either dark 
brown or black, and occasionally a yellowish shade, with a 
peculiar mealy, light-colored hair, running up the face into a 
smoky hue, when it gradully takes the general color of the 
body; the face is slightly dishing, clean of flesh, mild and 
gentle in expression ; the eye clear and full, and encircled with a 
distinct ring of the color of the nose ; the forehead bold ; the 
horn short, curving inward, and waxy in color, with black tips; 



THE JERSEYS. 129 

the ear sizable, thin, and quick in movement. The whole head 
is original, and blood-like in appearance — more so, than in almost 
any other of the cattle race — reminding one strongly of the head 
of our American Elk. The neck is somewhat depressed — would 
be called "ewe-necked," by some — but clean in the throat, with 
moderate or little dewlap; the shoulders are thin and some- 
what ragged, with prominent points running down to a delicate 
arm, and slender legs beneath ; the fore-quarters stand rather 
close together, with a thinnish, yet well developed brisket 
between; the ribs are flat, yet giving sufficient play for good 
lungs ; the back depressed from a straight line ; the belly deep 
and large ; the hips tolerably wide ; the rump and tail high ; the 
loin and quarter medium in length, the thigh thin and deep ; the 
twist wide, to accommodate a clean, good-sized udder ; the flanks 
medium; the hocks, or gambrel joints, crooked; the hind legs 
small; the udder capacious, square, set well forward, and cov- 
ered with soft, silky hair ; the teats fine, standing well apart, 
and nicely tapering ; the milk veins prominent. On the whole 
she is a homely, blood-like, gentle, useful little housekeeping 
body, with a most kindly temper, loving to be petted, and, like 
the "pony," with the children, readily becomes a great favorite 
with those who have her about them, either in pasture, paddock, 
or stable. The colors are usually light red, or fawn, occasion- 
ally smoky grey, and sometimes black, mixed or plashed more or 
less with white. Roan colors, and a more rounded form, are 
now and then seen among them, but are not much fancied. The 
Guernsey cows are usually one-third larger, of similar shape 
to the Jerseys, and showing superior rotundity and symmetry, 
with an increased lacteal production. 

Our portraits of the sexes, taken from life, give a correct 
representation of the true Jerseys. They are excellent specimens. 
6 



130 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



She is simply a milking cow, and for nothing else should the 
race ever be bred. The bulls may be used in crossing on our 
common cows, to give the Jersey quality and color of milk in 




Plate 17. Jersey Cow. 

the heifers thus descended from them ; but by no infusion of any 
other blood can the Jersey cow be improved in the rich yellow 
qualities for which her milk is esteemed. Along the coast of 
Hampshire, in England, she is frequently kept and bred, and 
many of them are scattered over other counties, but chiefly in 
individual, or small numbers for family use, to yield the milk 
and butter so highly prized by nice housekeepers. 

The distinguishing quality for which both the Jersey and 
Guernsey cows are prized is the marked richness, and deep 
yellow color of their milk, giving also that color to their butter. 
Yet the milk yielded by them is moderate in quantity, increas- 
ing from eight to sixteen quarts per day in the best of their 
seasons, and remarkably rich in cream and butter. Experienced 
breeders and keepers of them for dairy uses have informed us 



THE JERSEYS AND GUERNSEYS. 131 

that the grades descended from native dams and Jersey and 
Guernsey bulls are nearly or quite equal to the purely bred 
ones in the qualities of their butter, so strongly do these grades 
partake of the lacteal product. 

Jerseys were occasionally imported into America as early as 
sixty years ago, and in considerable numbers in succeeding 
years. The late Mr. John A. Taintor, of Hartford, Conn., was 
probably the largest importer, having brought in a good many 
about the year 1850, and later, from which he bred and sold 
many choice cows and bulls. Other importations have been 
made into New York, by the late Mr. Roswell L. Colt, of Pater- 
son, New Jersey, and by others into Boston, Mass., Connecti- 
cut and Philadelphia. The late Nicholas Biddle, of Philadelphia, 
fifty years ago imported several fine Guernsey cattle and placed 
them on his farm at Andalusia, near that city. Their blood was 
largely disseminated, and still remains in the fine butter dairies 
of that vicinity. They are now considerably kept in vari- 
ous parts of the New England States, New York, New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and a few of the States further south 
and west. They are favorites where well known, are increasing 
in numbers, and bear good prices — from $150 to $300 each for 
cows, depending on appearance and quality. Natives of a 
milder climate than ours, they are more delicate in constitution, 
and require good shelter and food. They will not rough it so 
well as our common cows, or some of the English breeds ; but 
they well repay all the care given them, and should not be 
neglected. John Lawrence, an English writer, quoted by 
Youatt, gives an account of a Jersey cow which made nine- 
teen bounds of butter each week, for three successive weeks, 
"and the fact was so extraordinary as to be thought worthy of a 
memorandum in the parish books." Extraordinary, most truly, 
lor a cow of any breed. Equally large yields have been made 



132 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



by those of other breeds, but only under remarkable circumstances 
and conditions. 

Our portrait of the bull much resembles that of the cow, but 
showing an arched neck, and the more masculine appearance 
common to his sex. 

The chief foreign writer on Jersey cattle is Mr. Le Couteur, 
a native, and, if living, a resident of that island. They are the 
cattle of that Island ; kept and bred with scrupulous care to 




Plate 18. Jersey Bull. 

their purity of blood, and the preservation of their distinctive 
qualities. The people of the islands have laws prohibiting the 
introduction of foreign cattle among them, and regulating their 
exportation abroad. It is estimated that upwards of four 
thousand cattle of the pure breed are annually exported from the 
Channel Islands. 

Until within the last eight or ten years the Guernsey and Jer- 
sey cattle were chiefly kept in limited numbers in the vicinities 



THE JERSEYS. 133 

of our larger Atlantic cities, and some of the interior towns not 
far away from them. But a late remarkable inclination for their 
possession has stimulated numerous importations from their 
native Islands to many hundreds in number — Jerseys much the 
most numerous — so that now theyprevade to more or less extent 
almost every State of our Union. Herd books and Registers, 
rigidly exacting in their rules of record, have been established, 
and very much of "fancy" points in the animals have been ob- 
tained in the "solid" colors and other features (of little worth, 
however, in their dairy qualities). The vulgar adage, "A new 
broom sweeps clean," has never been more fully verified than in 
the exhorbitant prices which have recently been obtained for 
individual animals of popular tribes $1,000 to even $3,000 — a 
fancy, in our opinion, which time and experience will greatly 
modify. Under extraordinary stimulants of food and forcing, 
some cows are said to have produced enormous yields of 
butter — 14 to 18 pounds in a single week — many of which may 
be taken with grains of allowance, and which cannot be kept up 
for extended periods of time. They may maintain an ascend- 
ency in that item, but whether they will become a chief factor 
in the extended dairy production of our country is yet to be 
proved. The larger size of the 

GUERNSEYS, 

with a superior tendency to flesh and equally good dairy quali- 
ties as the Jerseys, will keep them in due popularity and use 
by the side of the latter. They are rapidly increasing in our 
country, both by importation and native breeding, and equally 
esteemed by those who have adopted them for dairy purposes. 
In the Jersey or Guernsey cross on our common cows, an 
eminent improvement has been made in butter production, both 
in richness of color and excellence of flavor. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 



We now approach a race of cattle, which, within the present 
century, have received more of public attention, and acquired a 
wider popularity, both in England and America, than perhaps 
all the other races put together. It is due to this attention and 
popularity, that we give all the information regarding them (as, 
indeed, we have with the others,) which our reading and obser- 
vation will admit. Their history has been involved more or 
less in doubt and controversy, and from a study of some years 
of all the various authorities regarding them, unbiased by either 
partiality or prejudice, we shall strive to draw truthful conclu- 
sions, and place them in such light that all may understand 
both their early and present conditions. 

English agricultural history, (for the Short-Horns, in their 
present appearance, were known only in England,) previous to 
dates down towards early in the last century — say one hundred 
and forty years ago — is silent respecting them. The farming 
interests of Britain had gradually awaked to the improvement 
of their condition, through the wants of a growing commerce 
and population. The necessity for increasing the products and 
revenues of the land, and the consequent stocking them with 
better breeds of neat cattle than had previously occupied them, 
had become imperative. It was in the latter years of the last 
century, that the agricultural writers of the day began to give to 
the public some notion of the existence and value of this now 
celebrated race. Among these writers were Culley, Marshall, 
Bailey, and Lawrence, who wrote upon short-horn cattle in 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 135 



those years, and Berry, Youatt, Martin, Bates, and some others, 
in a brief way, in the present. We shall use all these author- 
ities, without particular, or but partial mention of either, in 
relating their history and progress down to the present day. 
We must acknowledge, also, many facts derived from American 
writers and breeders of the race, whose information is of particu- 
lar value, touching their recent history, or breeding, which will 
be duly acknowledged ; and wherever pretended history, either 
English or American, has been found in error, we shall strive to 
correct it. 

For a proper understanding of the matter, here at the thresh- 
old, we may as well assert (better here than elsewhere,) that the 
prevailing impressions of the history of the improved short- 
horns, (as they are called,) to some extent in England, and 
almost altogether in America, is a false one. With a charge of 
that character, an explanation is necessary. 

Youatt, already frequently mentioned, is given as the principal 
and most important English authority on "British" cattle. He 
compiled his work, as we have before stated, at the request of, 
and published it under the superintendence of, the " Society for 
the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge," a body then existing, and 
whose press was in London. He was competent to the task, 
and the chief parts of his work have been admitted to be correct. 
The various breeds of " British cattle " received a due share of 
his attention. With well-established authorities for his accounts 
of most of the breeds which he noticed, he left the short-horns 
for the last ; and with a strange infatuation, when he came to 
them — the most important in value of any other — instead of 
doing the work himself, he farmed it out, with the exception 
only of a few running notes of his own, to one who had been a 
breeder of them for a few years only, the " Rev. Henry Berry." 
A brief account of Mr. Berry, and his short-horn experience, 
must be given. 



136 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

It appears that a few years previous to 1824, he commenced 
breeding, his stock being derived principally from the herd of 
Mr. Jonas Whittaker, a cotton manufacturer, near Otley, in 
Yorkshire. About that time a controversy had arisen as to the 
comparative merits of the short-horn and Hereford breeds of 
cattle, as a grazing and fattening animal, between their respective 
advocates, and Berry, as the champion of the short-horns, wrote 
a pamphlet on the subject, purporting to give a history of the 
" Improved Short-horns, derived from authentic sources; to which 
is added an enquiry as to their value for general purposes, placed 
in competition with the improved Herefords." This pamphlet 
bears an imprint o f the year 1824. In the year 1830, he 
printed a " second edition " of the same work. With this con- 
troversy, or the comparative merits of the two breeds, we have 
nothing to do, as it does not appertain to our present subject. 
His facts respecting the short-horns, and their history, so far as 
derived from others, we let stand, and do not particularly dispute, 
as such facts have been equally accessible to us, as to him, and 
we are content to let them remain as authority. In this 
pamphlet he ascribes the chief merit, as the "improver" of the 
short-horns, to Charles Colling, who commenced breeding them 
about the year 1780. The only other breeder he prominently 
mentions, is Mr. Whittaker, of whom he (Berry) purchased 
his own cattle. 

But when, in 1834, Berry produced his "history" for Youatt, 
it was quite another affair. It is said that, in the meantime, 
between the "pamphlet," and the "history" for Youatt, he had 
ceased his relations with Whittaker, and also obtained some of 
the "alloy" stock descended from one of Colling's experimental 
crosses, (which will be hereafter noticed,) and in his own hands, 
he had an object in writing them into credit, which explains this 
second history. The account in Youatt is much unlike the 
history in the pamphlet in other particulars, some being added 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 137 

and others left out. He retains Colling's name in Youatt r but 
omits Whittaker's altogether, and introduces facts in the course 
of Colling's breeding, which he omitted in the pamphlet. 

The main point of falsity, however, (left out in the pamphlet 
and put into Youatt, ) which we propose to detect, as the source 
of all the mischief about the improvement of the short-horns by- 
Colling, is this : While Colling was successfully breeding short- 
horns from the best blood he had obtained of older and 
cotemporary breeders around him, a neighbor, "Col. O'Calla- 
ghan," bought a couple of Galloway heifers, and brought them 
home to his farm. He arranged with Colling to put them to his 
short-horn bull "Bolingbroke;" if the calves were heifers, he 
(O'Callaghan) was to retain them ; if bulls, Colling was to have 
them. One of the heifers — a red one — dropped a bull calf, a 
half-bred short-horn, of course, which, by the arrangement, 
belonged to Colling. This bull calf being a good one — as a 
mongrel — Colling brought him up to a yearling. He had a 
short-horn cow, Joanna, quite old, and not having bred a calf 
for two years, he put her to this yearling cross-bred calf, " Son 
of Bolingbroke." She became pregnant^ and in due course, in 
the year 1794, dropped a bull calf — three-fourths short-horn and 
one-fourth Galloway — a grandson of Bolingbroke. He proved 
a likely calf, also, and Colling kept him, as he had kept his sire, 
until he became a yearling. He had a very fine, aged cow, 
"Phoenix," from which had sprung some of his best stock. She 
had produced a thorough bred short-horn calf in 1793 Although 
afterwards put to some of Colling's thorough bred bulls, she 
continued barren, and in the winter of 1795-6, was put into the 
straw yard, and the young "Grandson of Bolingbroke," then a 
yearling, turned in with her. To him, Phoenix became pregnant. 
Colling then disposed of this "Grandson of Bolingbroke." In 
the autumn of 1796, Phoenix produced a heifer calf, seven - 
eighths short-horn and one eighth Galloway blood. Being a 



138 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

good one, Colling called her "Lady," and raised her. When 
matured, he put this heifer " Lady " successively to his best 
bulls, and reared several calves from her. Her first calf was a 
bull, which lie called "Washington," and Colling bred him to 
two or three of his cows, but nothing came from him of any 
particular value. He also bred her daughters to his good bulls, 
but never bred one of the bull calves, of either Lady or her 
heifer descendants, except the bull Washington, to any thorough 
bred cows in his herd; nor is it known that he ever sold one of 
them, as a thorough bred. He kept this "Lady " family separate, 
and by way of distinction from his thorough-breds, called them 
the "Alloy." They were good feeders, had good carcasses, 
and made a good appearance, but they were no milkers. At 
Colling's great sale of his short-horns, in the year 1810, when 
he quit breeding, this "Lady" family were catalogued with his 
others, and sold, with their full pedigrees distinctly given, so 
there need be no deception as to their breeding. Of this "family " 
there were quite a number, and being in fine condition, and cattle 
of all kinds in demand, they brought good prices, but not near 
so much, individually, as the cattle of some of his other families. 
These "alloy" were bought by the young, or new short-horn 
breeders, and not by the older veteran breeders who attended 
the sale. Thus "Lady" had one-eighth Galloway blood, her 
daughters one-sixteenth, their descendants less, and so on. 

Now, Berry works up the story, and the prices the 'alloy' 
sold for, in his own way, leaving the impression that they were 
the favorite cattle at the sale, and stamps this Galloway cross as 
the root, foundation, and origin of the "improved" short-horns! 

In giving an account of Colling's sale, and the prices the cattle 
brought, we let Berry tell his own story: "It will probably be 
admitted that the prejudice against the cross (alluding to the 
"alloy") was at the highest at the time of Mr. Charles Col- 
ling's sale. The blood had then been little, if at all, introduced 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 139 

to other stocks, and it was the interest, whatever might be 
the inclination of the many breeders who had it not, to assume 
high ground for the pure blood, and to depreciate the alloy. 
Under these circumstances, what said public opinion, unequivo- 
cally certified by the stroke of the auctioneer's hammer?" And 
with this flourish of trumpet, he then proceeds (in Youatt,) to 
give an illustrated portrait of one of his own cows, a descendant 
of this celebrated "Lady!" Youatt, in a quiet foot-note to 
Berry's account, rather rebukingly says: "As the grandson of 
Bolingbroke is not known to have been the sire of any other 
remarkably good animal, it is most probable that the unquestion- 
able merit of Lady and her descendants, is to be attributed more 
to her dam than to her sire." This must be so, as "Phoenix," 
the dam of Lady, was one of the best cows of her day, and the 
dam of "Favorite," — (252) Coates' Herd Book — perhaps the 
very best bull of his time. He was the sire of Comet, who 
brought at the sale, the unprecedented sum of 1,000 guineas — 
$5,000. (Cattle of all kinds were enormously high at that time 
in England, — war times — and at this sale of Colling's, the short- 
horns sold at higher rates than ever known before or since, until 
Lord Ducie's sale in 1853.) The names and pedigrees of those 
bulls, O'Callaghan's "Son of Bolingbroke," and "Grandson of 
Bolingbroke," will be found in Coates' English Herd Book, 
Vol. 1. 

Now, this is the falsehood, plausibly told by Berry in Youatt's 
history, and which has since been adopted as authority, both in 
England and America, and drawn upon by many subsequent 
writers in both countries, who did not know any better — and 
repeated a thousand times, until half the world believe it — that 
makes the "improved" modern race of short-horns originate 
from a bull of the "old Teeewater stock," and a "Galloway 
cowl" when in truth, scarcely a particle of Galloway blood runs 



140 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

in the veins of one in a hundred of the approved short-horns of 
the present day, in either country. 

We have made rather a long story in showing up this decep- 
tion ; but the truth of short-horn history has demanded it ; and 
if we shall have succeeded in putting this matter right, before 
the large interest concerned in pure short-horn breeding, our 
object will be accomplished. From the late Mr. Thomas Bates, 
a distinguished short-horn breeder, of Kirkleavington, Durham, 
Eng., a cotemporary of Charles Colling, and other corroborating 
testimony, the above account is given. 

Having disposed of this historical swindle, we proceed to give, 
from the best authorities at command, a correct account of the 
origin, rise, progress, and present condition of this breed of 
cattle. 

HISTORY OF THE SHORT-HORNS. 

For some centuries anterior to the conquest of England by 
the First William, (of Normandy,) the north-eastern counties of 
England, Northumberland, Durham and York, (then called 
Northumbria,) had been possessed, with occasional interruptions, 
by the Danes, and other Scandinavians of North-western Europe. 
They were a warlike people, not only, conquering, by their bold 
raids, the countries along the continental coast to the south of 
them, even into Holland, but pirates and "sea kings" as well, 
carrying their devastations across the water into Northumbria, 
and some adjoining parts of Britain. While they held the fron- 
tier coast of England, they established trade in many articles of 
merchandise and agricultural products, and shipped them to and 
from both sides of the ocean channel. Among these were cattle 
in considerable numbers. Southern Denmark, Jutland, Holstein, 
and Utrecht, long held by the Danes, possessed a breed of cattle 
— short-horns essentially — having their general appearance, and 
peculiar colors, but coarse in form and flesh, yielding largely of 
milk. It is supposed by the majority of the earlier English 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 141 

writers on agriculture and cattle, who paid particular attention 
to these subjects, that it was from these foreign cattle, imported 
at that early day from the neighboring continent, that the present 
race of short-horns are descended, and that for some centuries 
they inhabited that part of England only. The earliest accounts 
we have seen, first found them there. Holderness, a district of 
Yorkshire, was said to number these cattle in considerable herds. 
They possessed a great aptitude to fatten, in addition to their 
milking qualities, yet their flesh was coarse, accompanied by a 
large amount of offal. That they possessed valuable character- 
istics in their high and broad carcasses, and contained within 
themselves the element of refinement, when brought within the 
conditions of shelter, good fare, and painstaking, we may well 
conjecture. The people of those days were rude and unculti- 
vated, and the cattle must have been rude also. Oftentimes 
pinched with poverty and scant fare, subject to the storms and 
blasts of an inclement winter climate, unsheltered, probably, in 
all seasons, except as the woods or hollows of the land could 
protect them, the worst points of their anatomy took precedence 
in looks, and they were but a sorry spectacle to the eye of an 
accurate judge, or breeder. 

Following down to near the middle of the last century, we 
find that some of the authors named speak of these cattle, on 
the banks of the river Tees, (a stream dividing the counties of 
York and Durham,) existing in a high degree of improvement, 
and superior to almost any others which they had seen. As we 
have before remarked, it is not surprising that they were found 
in these counties only, as every district in England had its own 
local breeds to which their people were partial, and cattle were 
not interchanged as now, except for the purposes of feeding, and 
-going to London, or other large sea coast markets, for consump- 
tion. No doubt, in the agricultural progress of the country, 
these cattle had received considerable attention, and were much 
improved in their forms, flesh, and general appearance by their 



142 AMKEICAN CATTLE. 

breeders, until they arrived at a considerable degree of perfec 
tion. Here, then, we find them existing in several excellent 
herds, and bred with much care. Some pedigrees can be traced, 
more or less distinctly, back to the year 1740, or even earlier. 
The late Mr. Bates, in one of his accounts of these cattle, says, in 
1784 the estates of the Earl of Northumberland had fine short- 
horns upon them, for two hundred years previous to that time. 

Let us see: Bailey, in his survey of Durham, written in the 
year 1808, says that "Seventy years since (1738,) the colors of 
the cattle of Mr. Milbank and Mr. Croft, were red and white, 
and white, with a little red about the neck, or roan," as related 
to him by old men who knew them at the time. Culley also 
states the same fact. Milbank and Croft were both noted cattle 
breeders of that day, and into their herds many modern cattle 
trace their pedigrees. The Duke of Northumberland had good 
short-horns on his estate at Stanwick, in that county. The 
Aislabees, of Studley Park, and Sir William St. Quintin, of 
Scampston, also kept excellent short-horns ; and the Stephen- 
sons, Maynards, Wetherells, and many others, too numerous to 
mention, were breeders. As a sample of what these early short- 
horns could do in the way of flesh, Mr. A. B. Allen mentions, 
in the American Agriculturist, Vol. 1, p. 162, that in 1740, Mr. 
Milbank, of Barningham, — for it is on record there — fed an ox 
five years old, which dressed 2,100 pounds in the four quarters, 
and had, besides, 224 pounds rough tallow ; and a cow of the 
same stock, which weighed 1,540 pounds, equal to almost any- 
thing of the present day. Had we space, we could record the 
weight of many other short-horns in the last century, which 
approached these in excellence. 

As the merits of these cattle became more known, they 
rapidly increased among the local breeders and farmers of those 
counties, but they did not obtain anything like a general reputa- 
tion over the country, until Charles and Robert Colling came on 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 143 

to the stage and commenced breeding them. They were young 
farmers, brothers, and their father had been a short-horn breeder 
before them. They established themselves as farmers and cattle- 
breeders about the year 1780, each having separate herds, but 
working more or less together, and interchanging the use of 
their bulls. Charles the younger, was the more enterprising, 
but not a better breeder than his brother. With great sagacity 
and good judgment, they picked up some of the best cows and 
bulls from the herds of the older breeders around them, and for 
many years bred them with success and profit. They early 
possessed themselves of a bull, afterwards called "Hubback," 
claimed, by some, to be the great progenitor of the improved 
short-horns. He proved a most excellent stock-getter while in 
the hands of the Collings, as well as before they obtained him, 
and after he left them — perhaps one of the most valuable of his 
race. He was a pure short-horn, as his pedigree in the first 
volume of Coates' Herd Book attests > although Berry, in his 
Youatt history, attempts, for purposes of his own, to throw a 
cloud upon his lineage. 

The possession of " Hubback " proved fortunate for the 
Collings, as some of their best cattle traced into his blood, which 
was more or less participated in by the breeders around them. 
The blood of this bull became so famous, indeed, that any goed 
and well bred beast which could trace its pedigree to him, was 
counted of rare value. 

We have said that Charles Colling was a sagacious man, in 
his line. He knew, as well as the breeders around him, that the 
short-horns were a superior race of cattle, but their reputation, 
as yet, was a local one, and he determined to make them known 
in other counties of England, where they were strangers. For 
this object, Colling took a bull calf got by "Favorite," before 
mentioned, made him a steer, and fed him to a bullock, for the 
purpose of exhibiting him through the country. Berry says, 
"the ox was the produce of a common cow," but, as he gives 



L44 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

no proof, it may be doubted, — unless the " common " cows oi 
the neighborhood were all short-horns, — as his portrait shows 
the full points, ripeness and refinement of a thorough bred. 

Colling kept the steer till five years old, and called him the 
" Durham Ox." In February, 1801, he sold him to a Mr. 
Buhner, to be taken around the country for exhibition. At that 
time, his live weight was 3,024 pounds — his weight of beef, hide 
and tallow, if dressed, was computed to be 2,352 pounds; and 
this extraordinary weight did not proceed so much from his 
great size as from the exceeding ripeness of his points. Mr. 
Buhner procured a carriage for his conveyance, and traveled 
with him only five weeks, when he sold him to Mr. John Day, 
of Rotherham, in May, 1801, for £250, ($1,250.) Mr. Day 
traveled with him nearly six years, through most of the counties 
of England and Scotland, when, in February, 1807, he dislocated 
a hip bone, and had to be slaughtered. Although he had lost 
much flesh, not being killed until April, his carcass weighed as 
follows : 

Four quarters, . . . 2,322 lbs. 
Tallow, . . . . 156 lbs. 

Hide, 142 lbs.— 2, 620 lbs. 

He was, at his death, eleven years old, and Mr. Day could at 
one time on his travels have taken £2,000 ($10,000) for him, 
so much was the ox admired. 

Colling afterwards fed a thorough bred heifer, also got by 
"Favorite," and sent her out for exhibition. She was called 
" The White Heifer that traveled," and, as her portrait (Fron- 
tispiece to Vol. 5, American Short-horn Herd Book,) represents, 
a creature of wonderful ripeness of points. Her profitable 
weight, when slaughtered, was estimated at 1,820 pounds, and 
her live weight at 2,300 pounds. 

The exhibition of these wonderful cattle, aroused public atten 
tion to their merits, and raised Charles Colling, as their breeder. 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 



145 



to a high reputation, and, in the demand created for his stock, 
soon secured him a fortune. Meantime other breeders were not 
idle. The Collings, as before said, first got their best early stock 
from the older breeders around them, and while those older 
breeders kept on improving their herds to a quality perhaps 
equal to the Collings, the travels of the "ox" and "heifer," 
known to be bred by him, had achieved a high reputation for 
Charles, and stamped him, in the minds of many, as the real 
"improver" of the race. There was, by the way, no Galloway, 
or "alloy" blood, in these traveled animals, nor did any breeder 
ever boast of having it, but whenever they did have it, bred it 
out by the use of thorough bred bulls, as fast as possible. To 
show the style of the old short-horns in Colling's time, we give 
a portrait of a cow, copied from the first volume of Coates' 
Herd Book. She is only in moderate condition, but shows the 
strong and well-defined marks of an excellent animal. 




lort-horn Cow of the old style. 



146 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

We might follow this subject to a much greater length, in 
discussing the further progress of the English short-horns down 
to a late day: but it would be of little interest to any but the 
breeders of pure short-horn blood, and as the subject is thoroughly 
canvassed in the several volumes of the American Short-horn 
Herd Book, to which they have access, a further pursuit of it is 
omitted. Suffice it to say, that the short-horns now stand in the 
front rank of all the bovine races in Great Britain, and on some 
portions of the continent adjacent, and in the Australian and 
Canadian Colonies, where the soil and climate is adapted to their 
support. Various breeds of English, Welsh, Scotch and Irish 
cattle are more or less crossed by them, and although many of 
these other breeds still hold a high reputation in their purity of 
blood and their several excellent qualities, the short-horns, in 
their purity, and much more in their crosses with other breeds, 
are continually gaining foothold and reputation. They are the 
heaviest beef cattle driven to the London markets, and are 
claimed to be ripe at an earlier age than others ; while for dairy 
cows, as milkers, when bred for that purpose, they excel. These 
assertions may be taken with allowance, but their still advancing 
popularity must be supposed to add somewhat of proof to their 
general excellence. 

THE SHORT-HORNS IN AMERICA. 

It has been difficult to collect every account of the earlier 
introduction of short-horns into the United States. Such as we 
have been able to obtain we shall relate. 

Soon after the termination of the Revolutionary war with 
England, a few cattle, supposed to be pure short-horns, were 
brought into Virginia by a Mr. Miller. These were said to be 
well fleshed animals, and the cows remarkable for milk, giving 
as high as thirty-two quarts in a day. Some of the produce of 
these cattle, as early as 1797, were taken into Kentucky by a 
Mr. Patton, where, as little was known of "breeds," they were 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 147 

called, after the gentleman who brought them, the "Patton 
stock. They were well cared for, and made a decided improve- 
ment in the cattle of the "Blue grass country," where they were 
first introduced. Some of this early Virginia stock also went 
out to the " south branch of the Potomac," in that State, a fine 
grazing country, which, fifty years ago, was famous for its good 
cattle. 

In the year 1796, it is said that an Englishman, named Heaton, 
brought two or three short-horn cattle from the north of England 
to New York. They were taken to Westchester county, near by, 
and bred, but no results, in pure blood, have been traced to them. 

In 1815-16, a Mr. Cox, an Englishman, imported a bull and 
two heifers into Rensselaer county, N. Y. These were followed, 
in 1822, by two bulls, imported by another Englishman named 
Wayne. Descendants from this Cox stock, were said to be bred 
pure, and afterwards crossed by Mr. Wayne's bulls. The stock 
now exists in considerable numbers and of good quality, in that 
and adjoining counties. 

In 1817, Col. Lewis Sanders, of Lexington, Ky., made an 
importation of three bulls and three heifers from England. 
They were of good quality and blood, and laid the foundation 
of many excellent herds in that State. 

In 1818, Mr. Cornelius Cooledge, of Boston, Mass., imported 
a yearling heifer — "Flora" — and a bull — "Cicero" — into that 
city, from the herd of Mr. Mason, of Chilton, in the county 
of Durham, England. These were carefully bred, and many of 
their descendants are now scattered throughout several States. 

About the same year, Mr. Samuel Williams, then a merchant 
in London, but a native of Massachusetts, sent out a bull — 
" Young Denton " — and some cows, bred by Mr. Wetherell, a 
noted short-horn breeder. The bull was much used to cows of 
the same and later importations, and their descendants are still 
numerous among well bred short-horns of the present day. 



148 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

The same year, Mr. Gorham Parsons, of Brighton, Mass., 
imported a short-horn bull — " Fortunatus" — bred by Geo. Faulk- 
ner, of North Allerton, Yorkshire, England. He was used con- 
siderably on the native cows of his State, but we have never 
traced any thorough bred pedigrees to him. 

In 1820, Mr. Theodore Lyman, of Boston, Mass., imported a 
bull, which he sold to Israel Thorndike, of that city, and he sent 
him to his farm in Maine. Of his produce we hear nothing. 

About the year 1820, and during a few years succeeding, 
several spirited gentlemen of Boston, and its neighborhood, 
imported a number of cows and bulls from some of the best 
herds in England. They were Messrs. Derby, "Williams, Lee, 
Prince, Monson, and perhaps others. These were all fine cattle, 
and of approved blood in the English short-horn districts. 
Their descendants are still numerous in New England, and some 
other States. 

About the year 1823, the late Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, of 
the British navy, a native of Massachusetts, sent out a cow — 
" Annabella" — and a bull — "Admiral" — as a gift to the Massa- 
chusetts Agricultural Society. They were good animals, and 
bred with the other Massachusetts importations. 

Shortly previous to 1821, the late John S. Skinner, of Balti- 
more, Md., imported for Governor Lloyd, of that State, a bull 
— "Champion" — and two heifers — "White Rose" and "Shep- 
herdess" — from the herd of Mr. Champion, a noted English 
breeder. From these, several good animals descended, some of 
which are now known. 

In 1823, Mr. Skinner also imported for the late Gen. Stephen 
Van Rensselaer, of Albany, N. Y., a bull — "Washington" — 
and two heifers — "Conquest" and "Pansey" — from the same 
herd of Mr. Champion. Conquest did not breed; Pansey was 
a successful breeder, and many of her descendants are now 
scattered over the country. 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 149 

During the years 1822 to 1830, the late Mr. Charles Henry 
Hall, of New York, imported several short-horn bulls and cows, 
from some of the best English herds. Several of these he sold 
to persons in the neighborhood of that city, soon after they 
arrived, and others he sent to his farm in Rensselaer county, near 
Albany, and there bred them. Their descendants are now scat- 
tered through several good herds. 

In 1824, the late Col. John Hare Powell, of Philadelphia, 
Pa., commenced importations, and for several years continued 
them with much spirit and judgment. His selections were 
principally from the herd of Jonas Whitaker, of Otley, in 
Yorkshire, England. He bred them assiduously at his fine 
estate at Powelton, near the city, and sold many to neighboring 
breeders, and to go into Ohio, and Kentucky, where many of 
their descendants still remain. 

About the year 1828, Mr. Francis Rotch, then of New 
Bedford, Mass., selected from the herd of Mr. Whitaker, and 
sent to Mr. Benj. Rodman, of New Bedford, a bull and three 
heifers. They were afterwards sold to other breeders, and their 
descendants are now found in several excellent herds. 

In the year 1833, the late Mr. Walter Dun, near Lexington, 
Ky., imported a bull and several valuable cows from choice 
herds in Yorkshire, England. He bred them with much care, 
and their descendants are now found in many good western herds. 

But the first enterprise in importing short-horns upon a grand 
scale, was commenced in 1834, by an association of cattle 
breeders of the Scioto Valley, and its adjoining counties, in 
Ohio. They formed a company, with an adequate capital, and 
sent out an agent, who purchased the best cattle to be found, 
without regard to price, and brought out nineteen animals in one 
ship, landed them at Philadelphia, and drove them to Ohio. 
Further importations were made by the same company, 'in the 
years 1835 and 1836. The cattle were kept and bred together 



150 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

in one locality, for upwards of two years, and then sold by 
auction. They brought large prices — $500 to $2,500 each — 
and were distributed chiefly among the stockholders, who were 
among the most extensive cattle breeders and graziers of the 
famous Scioto Valley. 

In 1837-8-9, importations were made into Kentucky, by 
Messrs. James Shelby and Henry Clay, Jr., and some other 
parties, of several well-selected short-horns, some of which were 
kept and bred by the importers, and the others sold in their 
vicinity. 

In 1837—8-9, Mr. Whitaker, above mentioned, sent out to 
Philadelphia, on his own account, upwards of a hundred short- 
horns, from his own and other herds, and put them on Col. 
Powell's farm, where he sold them at auction. They were pur- 
chased at good prices, mostly by breeders from Pennsylvania, 
Ohio, and Kentucky, and distributed widely through those States. 

From 1835 up to 1843, several importations of fine stock 
were made by Mr. Weddle, an English emigrant, to Rochester, 
N. Y., and by American gentlemen, among whom were Messrs. 

E. P. Prentice, of Albany, N. Y., Mr, Jas. Lenox, and Mr. J. 

F. Sheaffe, of New York city, Messrs. Le Roy and Newbould, 
of Livingston county, the late Peter A. Remsen, of Genesee 
county, N. Y., and Mr. Whitney, of New Haven, Ct., Mr. 
Gibbons, of New Jersey, and some others, not now recollected, 
— all valuable animals. They were bred for some years by their 
owners, with much care. Mr. Prentice, for several years, had a 
large and excellent herd on his home farm. After some years, 
all these herds were sold and widely distributed. Their descend- 
ants still remain among our valuable herds. 

In the year 1849-50, Col. J. M. Sherwood, of Auburn, and 
Mr. Ambrose Stevens, of Batavia, N. Y., imported from the 
herd of Mr. Bates a bull, and from Mr. Jno. Stephenson, of 
Durham, England, three bulls and several heifers, all choice 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 151 

animals, and successfully bred them during several years. The 
stock became widely distributed, and well known. 

About the year 1839, Mr. George Vail, of Troy, N. Y., 
made an importation of a bull and heifer, purchased of Mr. 
Thomas Bates, of Kirkleavington, the first cattle from that 
particular herd which had been introduced into the State. A few 
years later, he purchased and imported several more cows from 
the herd of Mr. Bates, crosses of his "Duchess" and other fami- 
lies. He bred them with success, and widely distributed their 
blood. Mr. Vail made a final sale of his herd in the year 1852. 

A period of some years now occurred, in which few more, if 
any, short-horns were imported. Cattle, as well as all kinds of 
agricultural produce, were exceedingly low ; but as things grew 
better, the demand for "blood" cattle revived, and the spirit for 
their breeding was renewed. Mr. Thomas Bates, a distinguished 
short-horn breeder in England, died in 1849. His nerd, fully 
equal in quality to any in England, was sold in 1850. The 
choicest of them — of the "Duchess," and "Oxford" tribes — fell 
mostly into the hands of the late Lord Ducie, at Tortworth Park, 
already the owner of a noble herd, to which the Bates stock was 
added. He was a skillful breeder, and of most liberal spirit, and 
during the brief time he held them, the reputation of the Bates 
stock, if possible, increased. Within three years from the time of 
the sale of Mr. Bates' herd, Lord Ducie died. In 1853, a peremp- 
tory sale of his stock was widely advertised. Allured by the 
reputation of his herd, several American gentlemen went over 
to witness it. The attendance of English breeders was large, 
and the sales averaged higher prices in individual animals than 
had been reached since the famous sale of Charles Colling, in 
1810. Mr. Samuel Thorne, of Dutchess county, N. Y., bought 
several of the best and highest-priced animals, of the "Duchess" 
and "Oxford" tribes, and added to them several more choice 
ones, from different herds. Messrs. L. G. Morris, and the late 



152 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Noel J. Becar, of New York, bought others of th( 
and "Oxfords," to which they added more from other choice 
herds. These were all brought over here, and bred. Mr. Ezra 
Cornell, of Ithaca, and Mr. James 0. Sheldon, of Geneva, N. Y., 
soon afterwards made some importations, and obtained some of 
the " Bates " blood also. The late Gen. James S. Wadsworth, 
and other gentlemen of the Genesee Valley, N. Y., also made 
importations. These "Bates" importations have since been bred 
so successfully by their holders here, that several young bulls, 
and heifers, bred by Mr. Thorne and Mr. Sheldon, have been 
purchased by English breeders, and sent over to them at good 
prices, where they are highly valued. 

In 1852-3-4, several spirited companies were formed in 
Clinton, Madison, and other counties in Ohio, and in Bourbon, 
Payette, and some other counties of Kentucky, and made 
importations of the best cattle to be found in the English herds, 
and after their arrival here, distributed among their stockholders. 
Mr. R. A. Alexander, of Kentucky, also, during those years, 
made extensive importations of choice blood for his own breed- 
ing, so that in the year 1856, it may be said that the United 
States possessed, according to their numbers, as valuable a selec- 
tion of short-horns as could be found in England itself. 

Keeping pace with the States, a number of enterprising Cana- 
dians, since the year 1835, among whom may be named the 
late Mr. Adam Fergusson, Mr. Howitt, Mr. Wade, the Millers, 
near Toronto, Mr. Frederick Wm. Stone, of Guelph, and Mr. 
David Christie, of Brantford, in Canada West, and Mr. M. H. 
Cochrane and others, in Lower Canada, have made sundry 
importations of excellent cattle, and bred them with skill and 
spirit. Many cattle from these importations, and their descend- 
ants, have been interchanged between the United States and 
Canada, and all may now be classed, without distinction, as 
American Short-horns. 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 153 

It will thus be seen that the American investment in this 
breed of cattle, is large, and many times greater in numbers, and 
extending over a wider range of country, than with all other 
foreign breeds collectively. Accurate records of their pedigrees 
are made, both in Britain and the United States, so that their 
lineage may at once be understood. The English Herd Book, 
now numbering sixteen volumes, commenced in the year 1822, 
contains the records of 23,252 bulls, and more than 30,000 cows; 
while the American Herd Book of eight volumes, commenc- 
ing in 1846, contains more than 7,400 bulls, and over 12,000 
cows — items showing that the space we have given to the dis- 
cussion of their history and present condition, is not more than 
their importance has demanded. 

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SHORT-HORNS. 

They may be divided into two classes: as dairy, and flesh- 
producing animals ; and first — for the dairy. The early importa- 
tions into the United States, say fifty years ago, were those 
chiefly of which the cows excelled as milkers. Remarkable 
yields of their milk and butter were recorded in many agricul 
tural publications of the day, as well as in the American Short 
horn Herd Books since. 

To show the style of these cattle, on the following page we 
give the portaits of a bull and cow, from a prominent English 
herd — Mr. Strickland's — of thorough breds, the cows of which 
bore a high reputation for milk, forty years ago. 

We consider these as beautiful specimens of their kind, with 
fine bone, excellent points, and every way well developed for 
the dairy. The cow was a celebrated milker, and took several 
first prizes at different exhibitions, as a dairy cow. These 
portraits are copied from the third volume of Coates' English 
Herd Book. 



154 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 




Plate 21. Short-horn Cow, of Milk Stock. 



THE SHORT-HOKNS. 155 

Second — for flesh. Yielding to their tendency to take on 
flesh, when not put to regular dairy use, many of the English 
breeders began to breed more for the flesh-producing property, 
both in bulls and heifers. This system required abundant food 
from early calfhood to full maturity. It gave them great 
rotundity of carcass, rapid growth, and early ripeness. So 
taking were these well fed animals to the eye, coupled with the 
early maturity which the bulls imparted to their stock, when 
crossed on the inferior cows of the country — as beef was a prom 
inent article of production in a great majority of the counties of 
England — that the tendency to breed the best looking cattle, 
extended to the generality of short-horn breeders. Another 
thing, perhaps, encouraged this style of breeding — the increas- 
ing demand for their cattle from abroad. The earlier American 
importations had been mostly into the Atlantic States, where the 
milking qualities of their cows were more in demand than their 
flesh for the shambles. But when the Ohio Company sent to 
England, in the year 1834, for a herd of short-horns with which 
to improve the western herds, flesh was their chief object, and 
they sought such cattle as showed that tendency more than the 
other, although some of the cows which they brought out, and 
many of their descendants, as we have known from personal 
observation and experience, proved remarkable milkers, both in 
quantity and quality. Prom the Ohio importation of 1834, the 
successive importations have been mostly of that description — 
full fleshed, of rapid growth, great development, and early 
maturity — so much so that the modern style of short-horns 
appear widely different from the old style, as shown in plate 19, 
to which, in some importations of many years ago, we have seen 
almost exact resemblances. 

To illustrate the modern style, which is now almost universally 
sought by the majority of short-horn breeders in our country — 
for out of the Atlantic States they appear to care less for milk 



156 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



than flesh — we give a portrait of a well matured, thorough bred 
bull, at four years of age. 




Plate 22. Short-horn Bull. 

In the above portrait the wonderful fullness in every part of 
the carcass is illustrated, putting on choice flesh in places where 
the common cattle fail to give it, and making the animal valuable 
all over, with no more offal than in a creature of a third less 
size of an inferior breed. We consider this as showing in an 
eminent degree, the distinction between the beef-producing and 
the milk yielding tendency of the short-horn, in appearance. 
The one is that of exceeding fullness, the other of a tendency, 
in the cow, (plate 20,) to leanness, while giving much milk, 
although the latter may feed equally well when no longer used 
for the pail. In the following portrait, the same flesh-producing 
tendency is shown in the female, as is given in the bull. 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 



157 



We add the portrait of a heifer at two years, in which is seen 
the wonderful development of her race at that early age. 




Plate 23. Short-horn Heifer. 
They cannot be classed with any other breed of cattle, and 
are not to be accurately judged by the same rules that apply to 
them. It has been said that the short-horn is an artificial breed. 
That is not so. That they have been greatly improved above 
their original condition, is true — more highly improved, perhaps, 
than any other breed — but that is a susceptibility of their nature. 
It is an evidence that they originally possessed the power of 
such improvement, within themselves, for we have seen, in their 
history, that there is no known race which has shown itself capa- 
ble of making them any better. Charles Colling tried a cross 
of the short-horn with the Galloway. He improved the Gallo- 
way, but not the short-horn, and abandoned another trial. Mr. 
Bates, a breeder for more than fifty years, tried it with the 



158 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Scotch Kyioe, or Highland breed, for two or three crosses, with 
the same result as Colling, and abandoned it also. Other 
stealthy crosses may have been made by other early breeders, but 
with no good results to the short-horns — that they ever acknowl- 
edged. Their advocates claim that they — the short-horns — 
improve every other breed with which they have been crossed, 
as an economical animal. That question, however, we shall 
not argue. 

A general description ot a first-class short-horn, may be as 
follows : Head — the muzzle fine and yellowish, orange or drab, 
or light nut-brown in color, not smoky* or black; the face 
slightly dishing, or concave ; the cheeks lean of flesh ; the eye 
full and bright; the forehead broad; the horns showing no black 
except at the tips, and standing wide, short and oval-shaped, at 
the base spreading gracefully out, and then curving in with a 
downward inclination, or turning upward with a still further 
spread (as either form is taken without prejudice to purity of 
blood in the animal) of a waxy or neutral color, and sometimes 
darker at the tips ; the throat clean, without dewlap ; the ear 
sizable, thin, and quickly moving ; the neck full, setting well 
into the shoulders and breast, with a slight pendulous hanging 
of the skin (not a dewlap) just at the brisket; the shoulders 
nearly straight, full and wide at the tops; the shoulder-points, 

* It is supposed by many persons that a dark, or black nose, indicates impurity 
of blood. This is not always so. A black, or even a dark nose is not desirable in a 
breeding short-horn, because they are decidedly unfashionable, and to a breeder of 
choice animals they are unsaleable at almost any price. Yet many of the purely 
bred short-horns (so admitted) of a century ago, and even less, had some black 
noses among them. With all modern breeders, the dark-noses have been sedulously 
bred out of their herds, their repugnance to them often going so far as to slaughter- 
ing them in calf hood. Custom has obtained so far as to rule a black-nosed short- 
horn out of competition with the drab, cream-colored, or yellow-noses, as prize 
animals. A skin-colored, or white-nose is also objectionable, though not to the 
same extent, as indicative of a want of stamina in the animal, while a black, or dark 
nose indicates hardihood and good constitution. On the whole, although not con- 
clusive of bad, or mixed blood, black-noses are not, at the present day, admissible. 



THK SHORT-HORNS. 159 

or neck-vein, wide and full ; the brisket broad, low, and pro- 
jecting well forward, sometimes so much as to almost appear a 
deformity; the arm gracefully tapering to the knee, and below 
that a leg of fine bone, ending with a well-rounded foot ; the 
ribs round and full (giving free play to vigorous lungs) and 
running back w»ell toward the hips; the crops full; the chine 
and back straight from the shoulders to the tail; the hips wide, 
and level with the back and loin ; the loins full and level ; the 
rumps long and wide ; the tail set on a level with the back, 
small and tapering; the thigh full and heavily fleshed; the twist 
wide; the flank low and full; the hock, or gambrel joint, stand- 
ing straight (as with the horse), or nearly so; the hind leg, like 
the fore one, clean and sinewy, and the foot small. 

Thus, it will be seen that the short-horn differs from most 
other breeds, in its fullness and rotundity of carcass, and in the 
small amount of waste flesh and bone, or offal that it carries, 
in proportion to the consumable flesh it may lay on. 

The true colors of well bred short-horns range from pure white 
to deep red ; and between these colors, either of which frequently 
comprise the whole animal, their intermixtures in all variations 
of roan; as light roan, with the white predominating over the 
red; red roan, with the red prevailing over the white, as either 
may over the other in different degrees; red and white fleckea, 
or spotted in every possible way. The red may also vary in 
shade from light, or yellow-red, into the deepest mahogany. 
The old-fashioned short-horns sometimes showed a drab-dun, or 
fawn color, mixed with white, which we have in some instances 
3een crop out in one of later days. We have also seen a very 
few instances of dark brown roan — almost smoky in shade, 
among those of excellent quality, and unimpeachable pedigree. 
But the clear white, and full red colors, either by themselves, or 
intermixed in various beautiful and picturesque proportions, are 
the prevailing colors of our own time. Some of our breeders 



160 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

have a prejudice against the purely white coating of a short- 
horn, as indicative of a less hardy constitution in the animal 
possessing it; but we see no good reason, other things being 
equal, why a white color — as it truly belongs to the breed, and 
descended, perhaps, from red or roan parents — should be a defect 
in the useful quality of the animal having it. It is simply 
yielding to a popular prejudice outside of short-horn circles. 

The cow differs from the bull only in the feminine qualities of 
her sex, as our illustrations have shown. 

AS A DAIRY COW, 

Popular opinion, among those not particularly acquainted with 
their history or breeding, is widely at variance. They are the 
greatest milkers, in quantity, of any breed whatever — with the 
exception of the Dutch — as innumerable facts have shown ; or 
they may be comparatively inferior, as education, keeping, or 
purpose may govern, as we have just related. These matters 
will be explained in a subsequent chapter, on breeding. We 
have numerous well authenticated instances of their giving six, 
seven, eight, and even nine gallons a day, on grass alone, in the 
heighth of their season, and yielding fourteen to eighteen pounds 
of butter per week, and of holding out in their milk, in propor- 
tionate quantity, as well as other breeds of cows, through the 
year. Cows so much larger in size than of other breeds, should 
be expected to give more than smaller ones, that consume less 
food; and without asserting that they do give more, in propor- 
tion to their size, it is claimed that when educated and used for 
the dairy chiefly, they give quite as much as any others. That 
the inherent quality of abundant milking exists in the short- 
horns, no intelligent breeder of them need doubt. Our own 
observation in more than thirty years' experience with hundreds 
of them, first and last, under our own eyes, is to ourself, evidence 
of the fact, both in thorough breds and grades. 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 161 

If the breeder's attention be turned solely to the dairy quality, 
he succeeds in obtaining, with few exceptions, good milkers. If 
he turn his- attention, regardless of milk, to the grazing qualities 
of his stock, he can gradually breed out the tendency to milk in 
his cows, beyond a sufficiency to raise the calf to six or eight 
months old; and perhaps it is to be regretted that the tendency 
of too many breeders is to the latter. Breeding for the grazing 
quality solely, tends, indisputably, to give them more comely 
proportions, and greater size than when bred for the dairy. It is 
as the animal is bred, either way, that strikes the observer, 
whether the short-horn cow, as a race, is either a good or poor 
milker, without a proper experience to confirm his judgment; 
and therefore we say that she may be either good or inferior, 
m that quality, as the breeder chooses to have it. 

AS A WORKING OX, 

We cannot highly recommend the high bred short-horn for that 
purpose solely. From his massive frame, and inclination under 
full feed, to take on flesh, he is sluggish in movement. His 
shoulders are too upright for easy draft, unlike the Devon, or 
Hereford, or even our native ox. His natural step is slow. We 
have seen the thorough bred short-horn ox worked in the yoke. 
We have had, in the dull days of short-horns, several pairs in 
farm work, some years, and although they proved honest, stout, 
and obedient, we preferred others for quickness in movement. 
Crossed upon the native cow, or with the Hereford, or Devon, 
as half bloods, they prove excellent workers. Some breeders 
contend that the thorough bred short-horn ox is as good a worker 
as any other; but the weight of evidence does not confirm the 
assertion; still, they do work, and that quite tolerably, but they 
have neither the wind, speed, or bottom of the lighter and more 
active breeds. 

AS A BEEF ANIMAL. 

We give an excellent portrait of a three years (past) prize ox, 
exhibited, some years ago, at the Smithfield market, in London, 



162 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



Eng., copied from "The Farmers' Magazine." We have seen 
many equally good ones in the United States. 




Plate 24. Short-horn Ox. 



It is held, as a flesh-producing animal, that in early maturity, 
weight of meat, ripeness of points, and giving the most flesh in 
the best places, the great merit of the short-horn is found. 
We have spoken of the Devon, the Highland, and Galloway, as 
having flesh of finer grain, and tenderer quality, and bearing a 
better price in a fastidious market. But choice purchasers are 
few, compared with the mass, and he who feeds cattle for the 
general market, wants the animal which makes the quickest and 
most profitable returns for the capital invested, and the food con- 
sumed. The short-horn at three years, past, well fatted, is fit 
for slaughter, equally with the Devon or Hereford at the same 
age, or the Highland Scot or G-alloway, at four years, or the 
"native" at five or six years. He is claimed by many to be a 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 163 

less feeder for his weight. There may be truth in this, as he is 
less active, and more inclined to take his rest, than the lighter 
breeds, which are less sluggish in their habits. All these ques- 
tions are of great consideration with the breeder or grazier, who 
rears stock for market. A quick return for capital and food, is 
the object, and that animal which gives it in the shortest time, is 
always preferred. Hence one decided advantage of the short- 
horn. 

THE PROPER HOMES OF THE SHORT-HORNS. 

There is a question, however, with him who breeds or grazes 
the short-horn that must be considered, notwithstanding his apti- 
tude for early maturity. They must have abundant feed and 
good pasturage. Broken lands, with short grasses, do not so 
well suit them. Level, or gently undulating soils, with luxu- 
riant grasses upon them, suit them better. We have immense 
tracts of lean and hungry soils, with scanty herbage, where we 
would not recommend the short-horn to go, and where some of 
the smaller breeds, as the Devon, Highland, and Galloway, will 
thrive and prove profitable; and for such lands they should be 
preferred. 

Some have objected to the short-horns as unfitted for a cold 
climate. That objection has proved of little weight. Northern 
England, and the adjoining counties of southern Scotland, have 
produced, and improved them in their highest perfection, and 
the latitudes of America, from 4lK to 45° north, equally as well, 
under good winter protection, as the milder temperatures of Ohio, 
Illinois, or Kentucky. The soil and feeding does the work, 
not the climate, provided the latter be temperate, and proper 
shelter in the inclement seasons be afforded. For near fifty 
years, in the better sections of what are considered the compara- 
tive sterile and cold New England States, the short-horn has 
lived and flourished — more rapidly of late than ever — and 
been successfully introduced into the north-eastern British Prov- 



164 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

inces, and both the Canadas. The severe winters of the North 
appear to be no bar to their success. How far South they may 
go, is yet to be tried. Wherever the proper herbage will grow 
— the blue grass, for instance — they may be successfully intro- 
duced ; but somewhat of care they must have, or they will, 
unquestionably dwindle. 

For the improvement of our native cattle, either for the dairy 
or the shambles, no foreign breed has been so much sought. 
They have spread all through the Northern and Middle States. 
all over the West, have been driven over the plains into Cali- 
fornia, and even to Oregon, in the valleys of the Williamette and 
the Columbia. They appear destined to go into every place 
where cattle are successfully bred, and good herbage abounds, as 
being the stock which, whatever may be the merits of others, in 
certain localities, must, in the majority, prevail. 

That in their native country, England, the short-horns are 
rapidly increasing, as well as extending into the more fertile 
lands of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, Mr. A. B. Allen, of New 
York, who visited many of the chief agricultural counties there, 
in the year 1841, and again in the summer of 1867, in a recent 
letter remarks: "When I was first in England, the short-horns 
were confined to a comparatively narrow territory, and those 
chiefly in the north-easterly and central counties. Now, they are 
seen, either thorough bred, or in their crosses, in almost every 
part of the United Kingdom where good grasses and the best 
agriculture prevail. Not only in the fields of the ordinary farm- 
ers, but in many of the finest parks of the nobility and gentry, 
their grand forms, and picturesque colors, show, in abounding 
numbers, grazing among the deer, or in occasional groups among 
the clustered woods, or in the open pleasure grounds. I found 
them even working on towards the Scottish Highlands, trench- 
ing into the homes of the Ayrshires, and Galloways, and cross- 
ing, more or less, into almost all the old local breeds. 



THE SHORT-HORNS. 165 

"Whether it is because they have become the fashion, or are 
thus spreading on their own individual merits over the others, I 
did not so much inquire, but concmded from the fact of their 
increasing propagation among farmers, where almost everything 
is made to pay, that they find them their most profitable neat 
stock. Still, they cannot profitably thrive everywhere, and wide 
ranges of land exist, both in Britain and America, where differ- 
ent breeds, better fitted to close pasturage and rougher soils, 
must be kept, as more suitable to the wants and purposes of the 
people who inhabit them." 

It may be thought that in the foregoing extended account of 
the short-horns undue preference for them is given over any 
other breed of cattle for American cultivation. Such is the fact, 
so far as our beef and a portion of our dairy product is con- 
cerned. The American Short-horn Herd Book for several years 
past has annually recorded an average of about ten thousand 
pedigrees in its volumes, chiefly of young animals, or others 
having no previous registry. Aside from the recorded ones 
several thousand bulls are yearly produced which never enter 
the Herd Book, being mainly used in herds of grade or native 
cows for breeding beef and dairy cattle. With some fluctuations 
in their sale values, as partialities fcr favorite strains of blood 
and pedigree, financial or other influences have prevailed, they 
have kept up an almost uniform value in prices of purchase and 
sale, which are not likely soon to abate in our bovine progress. 



CHAPTER XV. 

THE HOLSTEIN, OR DUTCH CATTLE. 

In a previous part of our work, we have mentioned this breed, 
as being early introduced into America by the Dutch emigrants 
at New York; but not as cattle of superior distinctive charac- 
ter, or "improvement," as a race, yet varying from the early 
imported English cattle in some characteristics of color and 
form. We know nothing of the early Dutch cattle, in particulars, 
other than that they were considered valuable for milk, and 
labor. 

There is a class, or breed of cattle, now existing in North 
Holland, which have been greatly improved within the last 
century. That is eminently a dairy country, and the cows of 
the farmers and dairymen there, receive a care and attention 
beyond any other domestic animal used in the agriculture of the 
people. 

We get little account of these cattle from British authors, 
except incidentally, and that of so vague a kind as to lead to no 
accurate conclusions. In our history of the short-horns, we 
have alluded to the probability that they were, at a very early 
day, originally derived from the neighboring continent ; and they 
may have descended from the same common ancestry to which 
the present improved breed of Holstein, and Holland, trace 
their lineage. Their forms, and general appearance, in all but 



THE HOLSTEINS. 167 

color, indicate that they may have sprung from a common 
source; but there is a sufficient distinction between them to show 
that, for centuries past, they have been bred for somewhat dif- 
ferent uses, by different nationalities, and under a different 
system of agriculture. 

We need not go into the various past controversies, and sup- 
positions, touching upon the importation of Dutch cattle into 
England, for the purpose of improving the English short-horns, 
nor the counter importation of English short-horns into Hol- 
stein, or North Holland, to improve their own native stock. 
Of the facts relating to these controversies, little is positively 
known, and the traditions, and suppositions, connected with 
them, are of such uncertain authority, as to lead to no accurate 
result, if we should attempt their investigation. We are con- 
tent to let the matter rest on the one indisputable fact, that the 
improved "Dutch" cattle of the present day, in many of their 
characteristics, do possess so great a resemblance to the short- 
horns, that no wide stretch of imagination need be exercised to 
presume that the progenitors of each — many centuries ago — 
may have been traced to a common ancestry. 

Of the time, at which any very considerable improvement was 
attempted in th^ Holstein cattle, we have no definite knowl- 
edge. It must have been more than a century — perhaps two 
or three centuries — ago, as it is only by a continuous and fixed 
system of breeding, for a long time, that the undeviating, consti- 
tutional characteristics of any breed of cattle can become so 
established as to transmit them with entire certainty to their 
progeny. These characteristics, the present improved Holstein 
cattle do obviously possess, in a sufficient degree to class them as 
a breed by themselves ; and as such, we shall treat them. 

Their surpassing excellence appears to be in their milking 
qualities, coupled with large size, and a compact, massive frame, 
capable of making good beef; and in the oxen, strong, laboring 



168 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

animals. They are almost invariably black and white in color, 
spotted, pied, or mottled in picturesque inequalities of propor- 
tion over the body. The horn is short, and the hair is short, 
fine and silky. The lacteal formations in the cows are wonder- 
ful, thus giving them their preeminence in the dairy. Our 
illustrations will show these prominent characteristics so plainly, 
that further description is unnecessary. 

It was but recently that this valuable breed of dairy cat- 
tle, in their now improved condition, except in a few casual 
importations, found their way to America, The late Mr. 
William Jarvis, of Wethersfield, Vt., one of the celebrated 
importers of Merino sheep, in the early part of the present 
century, brought out a bull and two cows, and put them on his 
farm, where he bred them successfully for some years. They 
were crossed with the common cattle of his vicinity, and aftei 
some years the pure blood became lost. People were careless 
of pure blood in cattle in those days, not much knowing or 
appreciating its value. 

The late Mr. Herman Le Roy, a distinguished merchant of 
New York, between the years 1820 and 1825, imported some 
improved Dutch cattle into that city, and kept them on a farm 
in its vicinity. Some of them were, about the years 1827-8-9, 
sent to the farm of his son, the late Edward A. Le Roy, on the 
G-enesee river, in that State. We saw them, and their produce 
there, in 1833. They were large, well-spread cattle, black and 
white in color, and remarkable for their uncommon yield of milk. 
The younger Mr. Le Roy soon after imported several short- 
horns from England, with which the Dutch cows were crossed 
— not because he disliked the Dutch, but more probably because 
the short-horns stood higher in popular favor, and more generally 
in request by the cattle breeding public. In the herds of both 
father and son, the pure breed was lost, as none but grades were 
found in the herds subsequent to the sale of the farms of these 



THE HOLSTEINS. 169 

gentlemen, a few years afterwards. It is to be regretted that 
the blood of those importations, should have been so soon lost 
by a lack of interest in their propagation. They were of great 
value as dairy animals, as their qualities in that line were univer- 
sally acknowledged where they were known. 

In the year 1852, an importation, consisting of a single cow, 
was made into Boston, Mass., by Mr. Winthrop W. Chenery, 
of that city. Her extraordinary good qualities led him to a 
further importation of a bull and two cows, in 1857; and to the 
importation of four more cows, in 1859. Most unfortunately 
the "cattle plague" broke out in this herd in the year 1859-60, 
and the originals, and all their thorough bred descendants, with 
the exception of a young bull, were destroyed under a law of the 
State, to prevent the spread of the disease. In the year 1861, 
Mr. Chenery made another importation of a bull and four cows, 
which came out in good condition. He placed them on his farm 
in the vicinity of Boston, where they have since been success- 
fully bred — the only herd of pure bred "Holstein, or Dutch 
cattle," known in the country; except their descendants, which 
may be in some other hands. 

These animals were procured from the best dairy herds in the 
vicinity of Beemster and Purmurend, in the Province of North 
Holland, with a special care to their sanitary condition, and their 
possession of all the highly esteemed qualities of their race. As 
such, they were certified by the official authorities of the dis- 
trict where they were bred. As this breed are strangers to the 
masses of our cattle breeders and graziers, and may in time 
become important instruments in promoting the dairy interests 
of the country, a somewhat particular account may be given of 
some of them, by which to judge of the improvement they may 
give to our native herds. 

A four years old bull girts 7 feet 10 inches; his length is 
8 feet 7 inches; height, 4 feet 11 inches; weight, 2465 pounds. 



170 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



We give an accurate portrait of the bull, as taken by our arlist 
m the month of February, of this year. 




Plate -25. IJolstein Bull. 

The colors of this bull, like all his race, are jet black and 
clear white. 

The four imported cows, each seven years old, have an average 
weight of 1325 pounds. The weight of a past two years old 
heifer is 1240 pounds. A past yearling heifer weighed 960 
pounds; and the weight of six calves, at an average of eight 
months, reared in the usual way, without forcing, was an aver- 
age of 576 pounds each. 

The milking qualities of the breed may be judged by the fol- 
lowing memoranda: One of the imported cows, when six years 
old, dropped a calf on the 15th of May, weighing 101 pounds; 
and from the 26th of May, to the 27th of July, by a careful and 



THE HOLSTEINS. 171 

exact record, gave 4018 pounds 14 ounces of milk. The largest 
yield in any one day, was 76 pounds 5 ounces, (35^ quarts.) 
In ten days, she gave 744 pounds 12 ounces, or an average 
of 74 $fo pounds per day. She gave a good flow of milk 
during the season, continuing to the 24th of May following, 
and on the succeeding day dropped twin heifer calves, which 
weighed 155 pounds. The amount of cream produced from this 
cow s milk, in a vessel specially prepared for measuring it, pro- 
duced 22 o% per cent of the milk, as tested by an accurate 
examination. The nutritive qualities of the milk were also 
tested by a thorough chemical analysis, and found to be excellent. 
It was also rich in its caseine, or cheese making properties. Six 
days' milk of this cow were set for cream, and the produce was 
17 pounds 14 ounces of good butter — nearly 3 pounds per day; 
and it is claimed by her owner that she is not the very best cow 
of the herd. 

These results show not only the remarkable productions of 
the cow, but the accurate and pains-taking care of the proprietor 
of the herd, in testing their ability at the pail. Of what the 
food given to the cow was composed, we are not informed. We 
are to presume, however, it was of the best, as every cow should 
have, to test to the utmost, her lacteal faculties. 

FOR THE DAIRY, 

The qualities of the Holsteins must be acknowledged as remark- 
able. The short-horns, as in many instances of trial, have 
hitherto acknowledged no superior; yet they have now, in these 
new strangers to our soil, to say the least, found most formidable 
competitors, and an opportunity is here offered, by those who 
cultivate them for the dairy, to test their long acknowledged 
good qualities by comparison. The Holsteins have been long bred 
and cultivated with a view to develop their lacteal production to 
the utmost ; and that they are quick feeders, and physiologically 
constituted to turn their food readily to milk, must be evident. 



172 AMERICAN CATTLE. 



We give an accurate portrait of one of the cows, taken by 
our artist in February, 1867. She stands the model of a perfect 
milker, with all the mammary veins and udder glands in the 
highest state of development. 




Plate 26. Holstein Cow. 

We are gratified that this valuable importation has been 
made by its public spirited owner, for the benefit of our cattle 
and dairy interests, and trust that their merits will spread far 
and wide, beyond the limited territory where they have in such 
brief time, been so thoroughly tested. The grade heifers, by 
the Holstein bull, on other cows of different breeds, are said to 
inherit much of the good milking qualities of the Dutch blood. 

Within the last eight or ten years large importations of Hol- 
stein, or, as some now term them, Friesan cattle have been made 
into the United States, chiefly or altogether for milk production. 
Hundreds of them in herds, more or less in numbers, are kept in 
several of our Northern and Western States, with decided 



THE HOLDERNESS. 173 

approval by their owners and propagators, as superior milk-pro- 
ducers. Although about equal to them in size, they lack the 
rotundity and fullness of the short-horn in shape, are coarser in 
the bone, less graceful in outline of anatomy, larger consumers 
of forage, yet no doubt compensating for this latter demand in 
the full flow of milk they yield. 

As a beef-producer the Holstein steers may be said to be yet 
on probation. It is doubtful whether they will rival the most 
approved flesh-making breeds which are bred and grazed on the 
broad stock farms of our country, in early maturity and profit in 
feeding. Their entire structure and development tends solely to 
their lacteal products, in which they have proved a remarkable 
variety of their species. In this high quality they will no doubt 
prove a successful acquisition for the production of milk in our 
large city and town markets as well as to more or less extent 
in the dairies of our country. They have already acquired a 
firm position as an approved variety in our cattle culture. 

THE HOLDERNESS. 

This is an old breed, during the earlier years of the present 
century existing in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. 
Some of them were imported fifty years ago into the vicinity of 
Boston, Mass., and probably since into the State of New York, 
but of the exact dates of their later importation we have no 
account. In anatomical formation they had the appearance of the 
unimproved short-horns of some centuries back. In color they 
were chiefly dark red, with lined or white backs and bellies, and 
were somewhat less in size than the true short-horns. The cows 
were excellent milkers and useful for the dairy. Although we 
were acquainted with a few of them in the year 1835, we had 
lost sight of them until recently, when they were brought to our 



174 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

notice by the owner of a herd of about thirty in number, Mr. 
Truman A. Cole, at Solsville, Madison Co., N. Y. 

In the year 1855 Mr. Cole bought a cow from a Mr. Knox, 
living in Oneida Co., X. Y., who either imported her ances- 
tors, or bred her from descendants of the original importa- 
tion. This cow was then in calf by a bull of the same breed. 
The succeeding spring, in 1856, she produced a bull calf, which 
Mr. Cole reared. She was then bred to a common bull and the 
succeeding calf was made into veal. The cow was next served 
by her Holderness bull calf, then a yearling of vigorous 
growth, and that produce was a heifer. When a year old she 
was bred to the same bull, her own sire, who was again bred to 
his mother. To cut the matter short, the increasing herd was so 
continuously bred, through the succeeding twenty-five years until 
now, 1882, to bulls of the same family descent — no outside cross 
intervening — some hundreds in number, many of which have 
been sold and dispersed in different counties of New York and 
other States, among dairymen. The result of this incestuous 
and close interbreeding has been altogether successful in keeping 
up the quality of the animals, both in flesh, perfect health, vigor 
of constitution, and milking quality of the cows to the character 
of the original dam, and, as Mr. Cole says, improved upon her. 

A remarkable change in the color of these cattle has taken 
place since in Mr. Cole's possession. The original cow was deep 
red on her sides, with white line on her back and under 
the belly. Her first calves were so at their births, but grad- 
ually, as age increased, the red sides turned into a chocolate 
brown, and finally black within a year or two after birth. The 
lined backs and white bellies also disappeared, and the younger 
ones became brown and black, and white-spotted, like the Hol- 
steins, which color the calves now usually bear at birth, showing 
that their original ancestry may have been akin to that breed. 
Yst they are finer in bone, and somewhat smaller in size. The 



THE HOLDERNESS. 175 

cows have capacious udders, sizable teats, large milk veins, and 
exhibit strong development as milkers. 

Inasmuch as this herd and their descendants have so strongly 
maintained their uniform characteristics of quality from that of 
any other distinctly recognized breed, they may well be con- 
sidered as such, and an excellent class of dairy cattle. The 
physiological facts of the in-and-in breeding of this particular 
herd, so contrary to popular opinion against the practice, deserves 
a record, the perusal of which may lead to profitable trials of the 
kind with other breeds. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE SPANISH, OR TEXAN CATTLE. 

We should hardly speak of this strange race of animals, were 
it not that of late years they have found their way, to some 
extent, into our sea-board markets. They are the descendants 
of the early Spanish stock introduced into Mexico in the six- 
teenth century. What they were when first imported there, we 
have no knowledge, but presume them to be of the same race as 
those long kept by the Moors on the plains of Andalusia, and 
by their successors, the Oastilians, for many centuries — of no 
great excellence in Spain, and not at all improved in Mexico. 

In a recent letter from Mr. A. B. Allen, of New York, 
(received in July, 1867,) then traveling in Spain, between Gibral- 
tar and Granada, he thus describes the Spanish cattle of the 
present day, as he saw them there: "I have seen numerous 
Spanish herds. They are about the size of our old-fashioned 
common cattle. They have large, coarse, long and wide-spread 
horns, mostly with a half, or full twist to them, and set back, 
rather than forward, with the points outward. Their colors are 
black, dark brown, reddish-brown, light yellowish-red, with some 
white on the throat and belly, and occasionally a black and white 
roan, or dark grey. The cows are nearly as large as the oxen, 
with the same style of horn. They do not appear to be good 
milkers. The heads are long, and rather fine. The herdsmen 
attend them in droves with dogs, like the short-haired Scotch 
Colleys." 



THE TEXANS. 177 

In this brief description, may easily be detected the origin of 
the modern Texan cattle, run wild for many generations, while 
the Spanish are thoroughly domestic in their habits, and treated 
with care, as the density of population, and close husbandry of 
the Spanish people at home, compel them to be. Undoubtedly 
the originals are much better animals under the treatment they 
receive, than their half-savage cousins, at such a far distant 
removal. 

The Texans are, in fact, a semi wild race in America, the 
mild climate of the tropics, with its abundant perennial herbage, 
affording them all of food which their natures require. There 
they range, propagate and grow, with little care, congregating 
in large herds, and known by their owners only by the marks, or 
brands, they put upon them. They are annually gathered for 
identification, when the young calves are castrated, and those fit 
to sell, selected and driven to market. The cattle pay little 
attention to the widely scattered ranches of their owners, and 
rove for miles away, attracted by better pasturage, the scattered 
salt-licks, or in the indulgence of their own vagarious habits. 
We illustrate on the following page,, a group of the bullocks, 
drawn by our artist as they stood in a cattle yard, on their 
arrival at market. 

These portraits are truthful, as we saw them in a herd of about 
forty in number, and know -them to be correct. Their live 
weights, at the time — the animals ranging from five to seven 
years — averaged 1,008 pounds. A short description will suffice. 

They are tall, lank, and bony, coarse headed, with enormous 
horns ; (only exceeded in length by a pair in our own possessiqn, 
brought from the Island of Sicily, in the Mediterranean. The 
shells of these Sicilian horns, are three feet four inches m length, 
spiral, and gracefully turned, thin, and almost transparent.) 
Their legs are long and coarse; they have much dewlap, and 
little brisket; are flat-sided, swayed in the back, high in the 



THE TEXANS. 1 7 1* 

flank, with narrow hips and quarters, great offal in proportion to 
their consumable flesh, and coarse all over. Their meat must 
be stringy, tough, and of coarse quality. Wild and savage in 
appearance, they looked scarcely more civilized than a herd of 
Dacotah Buffaloes. 

In contrast to the specimens above described, it is but fair to 
say that we have since seen better animals, so far as flesh and 
condition was concerned, of the Texan cattle. They were a 
small herd of some thirty in number, which had been brought by 
the cars to the Buffalo Cattle Yards for sale. They had been 
well fed on corn and grass for several months, and looked sleek, 
and in good flesh, so far as such raw boned and loosely made up 
cattle could be. They were six to seven years old, and made an 
average weight of near 1200 pounds each. Good four year old 
grade short-horn Western steers, were selling at the yards, the 
day we saw them, at 7K to 8 cents per pound, live weight. 
The Texans were sold the same day for 5 cents. 

Now, adding the two to three years additional forage which 
the latter had consumed, the interest on their value after four 
years old, and then deduct the one-fifth to one-fourth less price 
they sold for, together with the contingencies of disease or loss 
by death meantime, and the comparative economy in breeding 
and grazing such cattle by the side of those of good flesh pro- 
ducing breeds, or their crosses, is easily solved. 

Great numbers of these cattle are driven from northern Texas 
and New Mexico, up through the Indian Territory into Kansas 
and Missouri, thence into Kentucky, Illinois, and so on eastward. 
They stop little to graze on their journeys, as they gain but a 
small increase of flesh in a land of civilization, and the sooner 
they arrive at the shambles the better. They are worth little 
to the butcher or consumer, and, that they cost but little to 
their breeders, would, as a commercial article, be comparatively 
worthless. 

8* 



180 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Their colors are red, dun, yellow, black, brindle, and blue 
roan, all mixed more or less with patches and strips of white. 

As an economical animal to a farmer of the Northern, Middle, 
or Western States, they can be of little value, as the cows give 
no more milk than will raise a calf till it is old enough to graze. 
The bullocks are too light for heavy work, although sufficiently 
active ; and for beef, where a choice article is in demand, their 
value must be low. Some of the improved breeds may be 
crossed upon them to advantage, no doubt, but it would take 
one or two generations to breed their coarseness and wild nature 
out. It is a question whether it would not be cheaper to intro- 
duce our better natives, even into their own country, with which 
to commence a profitable herd. The common run of Texan 
cattle must be doomed to extinction, ultimately, before the better 
breeds. 

We only mention them here, because in their own ranges, and 
over an extensive territory, they are the prevailing cattle, and 
many of them there must be of better quality than we have 
described. 

Many hundreds of young short-horn and other breeds of bulls 
have been taken from our Western States to Texas, New Mexico 
and California, for crossing on the native cattle there to improve 
the beef qualities of their wild herds, and with decided success. 
Young bulls have to be taken, as acclimation is necessary before 
maturity for breeding use. The progeny of the cows are greatly 
improved in their flesh qualities in the half-bloods, and propor- 
tionately more so in the second and third generation, thus rear- 
ing fine beef animals, as well as better cows for dairy uses. A 
persistence in such a course on the broad ranches of those exten- 
sive territories in coming years will prove a source of great 
profit, as well as an easier industry to the spirited men engaged 
iu the pursuit. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

WHAT IS THE BEST BEEED OF CATTLE? 

This is a question daily asked by inquiring men, not well 
acquainted with the subject, and not very easily answered, except 
under conditions. 

After showing at so much length as we have done, that Amer- 
ica has no original "breed" of cattle, as its own, and describing 
with sufficient minuteness the breeds of foreign cattle best suited 
to our purposes, it is vain to name any particular breeds as best 
for all our own localities, and all our own uses. That the adop- 
tion of some one of these foreign breeds, in their purity, or the 
crossing of bulls of some one of them on to our native cows, is 
advisable, we cannot doubt. It is for the interest of every 
farmer and cattle breeder throughout the country, who takes any 
particular care of his stock, to do so. For all such as take no 
care of their cattle, but let them mainly take care of themselves 
— the poorer the breed, so that they can forage or steal a living 
out of others, the better — the Texans can perhaps suit them. 
But, as this book will never get into the hands of such people, 
nothing more need be said on that score. 

No understanding person will contend that any one breed of 
cattle which we have described, is the best for all our soils and 
climates, and our running remarks in describing them indicate, to 
some extent, to what soils and climates they are best adapted. 
Before concluding his choice, the farmer, breeder, and grazier, 
must each well understand his own locality, and after efficient 



182 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

observation and experience, either of himself or of intelligent 
men around him, must determine which breed or its crosses is, on 
the whole, best adapted to his uses. There are localities, and 
extensive ones, where either of the foreign breeds will thrive 
admirably — a rich soil, abundant herbage, good water, and mild 
climate favoring them. There are other soils, climates, and 
positions, where a range of choice is necessary. One, two, three, 
or possibly more of the breeds named may succeed equally well, 
and others not at all. For instance, the rich, level, or gently 
rolling lands, with abundant grasses, invite the Short-horn, Long- 
horn, or Hereford. The stony, more hilly, and less luxuriant 
pastures, are better fitted for the Ayrshire, Alderney, Devon, or 
Galloway; while the proprietor of wild, mountain ranges, with 
thinner and shorter herbage, requiring more laborious seeking 
after, or the scantier plains of the far West, would — if he could 
get them — better adopt the West Highland. As for the Texan 
cattle, we do not name them as an economical beast at all. We 
have only described them to be shunned. 

After consulting the climate, soil, and position of his locality, 
the proprietor is next to determine the uses for which he wants 
his cattle, whether for beef, or the dairy. As tolerable working 
oxen can be selected out of the crosses of almost all the breeds 
named, and there being no particular object in breeding working 
steers alone, we do not include them in our list — they will come 
naturally of themselves. The dairyman wanting the greatest 
possible quantity of milk, and of good quality, will select the 
Short-horn, Ayrshire, Dutch, or Devon, and possibly, a dash of 
the Alderney, as his soil may be best adapted to one or the 
other. The one who breeds for the grazier, or beef only will 
take the Short-horn, Hereford, Devon, Galloway, or West High- 
land, as either may best suit his purpose. Not to confound these 
selections, we explain, that the Short-horns, and Devons, are both 
milking and feeding cattle, as they may be bred for either pur- 



WHAT IS THE BEST BREED. 183 

pose; therefore, for such uses, we have named them. The 
Ayrshires, Dutch, aud Aldemeys, are exclusively dairy cows, 
although they may fatten well when done for the dairy, but we 
do not class them as beef animals alone. The Herefords, Gallo- 
ways, and West Highlands, we class as exclusively beef animals, 
although not denying that they may, by generations of breeding 
for that object, become good dairy cows; but having already 
enough good ones for that purpose in all localities, it is of little 
use to multiply them. We do not here speak of the Long-horns, 
as they are not in our country, but in England they are esteemed 
to be both a dairy and beef animal, and no doubt are. We hope 
yet to see them introduced to America — as curiosities, or for 
trial, if for nothing else. 

Now, the breeder for the dairy, or for beef, whichever it may 
be, should determine, after a full and thorough survey of his 
premises, which of the breeds he will adopt; and we would 
advise him to adopt but one, unless his possessions are large, and 
well adapted for more; or, for experiment, or his own gratifi- 
cation, he prefers a variety. A question may here occur, whether 
the breeder proposes to rear thorough hred cattle with which to 
supply other breeders, or to supply dairymen or graziers. This 
question is somewhat to govern the selections he may make, 
with which to stock his lands. If he intends to breed thorough 
breds only, his expenditure of capital must be large in propor- 
tion to the number he keeps, as they are costly. If he breeds 
for the dairy, or for beef, he has only to determine the breed 
which he intends ultimately to arrive at; then he is to get the 
bost cows he can find for his purpose, and those which either 
do, or will, in their produce, most assimilate to the breed he 
intends to rear. This accomplished, he will obtain well selected 
bulls of that breed, commence his herd, and breed continuously 
on, crossing the young heifers with thorough bred bulls in suc- 
ceeding generations, until the blood gets as near the thorough 



184 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

bred as possible. He will find, if he breeds carefully, that his 
stock is continually growing better as it reaches toward the full 
blood, until for all economical uses it is just as good — except for 
thorough breeding. But no man should ever buy or use a cross 
bred, or grade bull for breeding, when he can get a pure bred 
one, for the reason that the grade is quite as apt to throw his 
bad blood into his progeny, as his good blood, and thus stop the 
improvement. Some breeders are quite apt to think when they 
have got a really good thing, although of mixed blood, and a 
part of it bad, it is good enough. They therefore stop at that, 
use the imperfect bull, and from that time their stock remains 
stationary, or more probably goes back. Improvement and pro- 
gressive excellence, is only to be obtained by a constant persistence 
in the use of the best pure blood, either in grade animals, or 
thorough breds. 

Thus, every man may have "the best breed of cattle" for his 
own land, and for his own uses. He may complain that a con- 
tinuous use of thorough bred bulls, after having stretched his 
purse to make the purchase of his first one, costs too much. 
But that is a very narrow and uneconomical view to take of the 
matter. If he studies and observes sufficiently to surmount 
the prevailing popular prejudice, about in-and-in breeding, he 
may keep his first bull from two, or three, to ten years, if a 
good one, and he can be useful so long — breeding him to his 
own heifers and grand-heifers; or he may exchange him with 
one in like circumstances, and by such means, only have to 
buy a fresh bull once in several years. If this idea of breeding 
a bull to his own progeny proves a staggering proposition, the 
breeder is referred to our chapter "on breeding," wherein his 
views may be enlightened, and possibly, his prejudices some- 
what abated. 

In suggesting our views in this matter, we may be thought 
speculative, or theorizing, by the ordinary observer. Let us see. 



WHAT IS THE BEST BREED. 185 

We do not yet, in America, afford sufficient examples of the 
kind to establish, beyond dispute, these facts. We can point to 
districts of country in Kentucky and Ohio, and perhaps else- 
where, but in those States certainly, where, for thirty or forty 
years past, the course of breeding which we have pointed out, 
has been pursued with the short-horns, (and it might have been 
so with any other established breed, had it been selected,) with 
the most triumphant success. The "blood" cattle breeders there, 
have not only bred their pure bloods distinctly by themselves, 
and sold thousands of bulls to breeders of grades, near and far, 
in their own and other States, but have bred their grades, by 
the persistent use of thorough bred bulls, up to a quality — cows 
for milk, and bullocks for beef — equal in value for all practical 
uses, to the pure blood itself; and we see their droves of bullocks 
year after year going to market, at double, or treble the prices 
of common ones, and their cows, selected as milkers, at equal 
prices. We name the short-horns in those localities, as they are 
the only breed they have used, and those are the only consider 
able localities, within our knowledge, where this system of 
breeding has been for any length of time pursued. 

So it is in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and on the 
Continent of Europe, where the best agriculture prevails. The 
farmers and breeders find out what they want; they get it, and 
having proved its merits, they hold on to it with a pertinacity, 
which, to many of us would seem an infatuation; and even 
when they can find a better, sometimes refuse to give up the old 
breed at all, or do so with a doubting reluctance; and there is a 
reason for it. They live on the same farms or in the same neigh- 
borhood all their lives. They have either found their stock to 
be what was needed when they first commenced their occupation, 
or they obtained it in the vicinity of their homes, and knowing 
it to be profitable, were content to use it as it was, or improve 
it, without rushing off upon some strange fancy, as we Ameri- 



186 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

cans are too apt to do, to try a better ; and so they have succeeded 
in establishing the best breed for their own particular uses. 

We Americans have not, as a rule, done so. We are enter- 
prising, restless, shifting, more or less, in our occupations, and 
forever changing our homes on a chance of bettering our condi- 
tion. Hence there is little steadiness in our pursuits, even when 
we are farmers all our lives. We breed sheep and raise wool 
a while ; wool gets low, and we abandon our sheep, to go into 
cattle, either for beef or the dairy; they fall in price, and we 
abandon them, and go into mixed farming; by and by, these 
mixed commodities become troublesome, and we think our loca- 
tion a bad one, and sell out and try a new spot, and so on 
through a purposeless, ever shifting occupation. This remark 
has little to do with cattle breeding, we admit, but it gives a 
cause, or reason, why we are not better and more systematic 
cattle breeders. 

Yet there is a better prospect ahead. The internal communi- 
cations of our country by railway, have become so multiplied 
and extended that we can select our positions, and choose the 
staples to which we can best turn our attention, and to which 
our soils are best adapted. We can ascertain to what product 
our capital can be most profitably directed, and so apply it. A 
division of labor becomes thus established. Wide districts, in 
several States, grow wool more profitably than they can grow 
anything else; other districts can more profitably grow cattle; 
others the dairy ; and so on, all diversified, and each profitable in 
itself. Such being the fact, it becomes a comparatively easy 
matter for the cattle breeder, with a proper location, to prosecute 
his business with a single eye to both improvement and success. 
If he have industry and sagacity, he can soon acquire the means, 
and happily, opportunity is not wanting to gather the material 
to put him, at no distant time, in possession of the "best breed 
of cattle" for his purposes. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

WHAT CONSTITUTES A GOOD ANIMAL? 

It should be the object of every breeder to rear as good cattle 
as he can; that is, as perfect in their various points as their 
natures will permit, for the uses required of them ; and this per- 
fection of points gives the most profit in flesh, labor, and milk, 
according to the development of the various parts of the animal 
in its anatomy, and their general making up. 

There are certain parts of the animal, economically, of little 
value, but indispensable to its life and welfare, as the head, ears, 
horns and bones. If these are too large, or ill-shaped, they 
detract from the value of the carcass by giving more offal than 
is necessary, and render the animal less profitable in feeding, as 
it costs a greater proportionate expenditure of food to make this 
offal, than it does to make either flesh or milk. Cattle having 
an undue share of bone, we call coarse, and all coarseness is bad, 
as such animals are gross feeders in proportion to their actual 
weight. A big-headed, narrow-chested, flat-ribbed, hollow- 
backed, narrow-hipped, and droop-tailed ox, is a poor worker, 
and such a cow, if she be not a poor milker, is seldom a profit- 
able one, for both ox and cow are huge feeders. The ox has no 
room in his narrow chest for full lungs to play. Therefore he is 
short winded. His flat ribs and narrow hips allow him but a 
small development of muscular power. His strength is therefore 



A 88 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

contracted. His anatomy being sacrificed in breadth and depth, 
he has no place to lay on flesh as a beef animal, and he is worth- 
less, comparatively, for any purpose. So with the cow; if she 
take flesh poorly, she gives a less quantity of milk ; but if she do 
happen to milk well, it is because her food is chiefly thrown into 
the secretions of her milk veins, which happen, in such instances, 
to be extraordinarily developed. We have seen such, but they 
were the exceptions, not the rule, and all such cattle are to be 
avoided. There is no profit in them, any way; as a calf, the 
butcher does not want him, except at a reduced price; as a 
steer, the grazier jews down his price; as a working ox, nobody 
wants him, except he can get him "cheap;" as a fat bullock — if 
he ever can be fatted — the butcher "blows" on him; and as for 
the consumer — he is to be pitied. Soups, and dried beef — and 
poor at that — is all that he is fit for. He is a drag on every 
one's hands unfortunate enough to own him, from birth to 
slaughter. And so with the cow; poor in every quality, she 
goes through a miserable life, an object of contempt, and ill- 
usage throughout, simply because her breeder did not veal her 
at six weeks old, for she has never been good for anything in 
the hands of anybody since, and has taken the place of a better 
creature, which might have been profitable in every condition of 
her life, and a pleasure to every owner. 

Now, reverse the picture. Here is a creature with a small 
head, a fine muzzle, and a light bone. He has a clean, sinewy 
neck, and deep, wide chest; springing ribs, giving ample room 
for vigorous lungs to play ; a straight back from the shoulders to 
the tail; broad hips, and a deep flank — symmetrical through- 
out. He is so anatomically framed as to admit the largest 
supplies of flesh in the best points ; he has much less oftal, even 
to the same amount of consumable flesh than the other, and no 
more offal to all the additional flesh which can be piled on to his 



WHAT CONSTITUTES A GOOD ANIMAL. 189 

carcass. As a worker, lie is better than the other. His large 
lungs give him more wind, and better endurance; his broad, 
well-spread anatomy gives more sinewy power — of course he is 
a better worker as a laboring beast. He is remarkable through 
every stage of his life, from calf hood to maturity ; to the feeder, 
to him who wants a working ox, to the butcher, and finally, to 
the consumer. He is good all through his life, and always in 
demand, at the top price, for one purpose or another. So with 
the female. If the breed be not of the dairy quality, spayed at 
a proper age, she thrives apace, fattens readily, and is fully ripe 
at three or four years, according to her breed, and is a profitable 
beast altogether. If a dairy cow, her full development of frame 
gives room for her milk secretions in their proper places. Her 
food, not only keeps her in good flesh, but assimilates into milk 
abundantly ; and finally, done with milking, she readily takes on 
flesh for the shambles, and dies profitably. 

We need give no further illustration of the contrast between 
poor and good cattle, than to refer the reader to the group of 
Texan cattle on a previous page, as a sample of the one; and to 
either cut of the improved breeds we have described, as a sample 
of the other. One exhibits the poor qualities of his race, the 
other exhibits the good qualities, and no one need be mistaken 
in his choice between them. 

It may be asked, is beauty of form a highly desirable quality 
in a neat animal? Most certainly. But the eye and the judg- 
ment must be educated to know in what that beauty consists. 
A greyhound is a beautiful creature, as a dog; such a figure 
would not be beautiful in a bull, an ox, or a cow. Beauty is 
relative in economical animals, and in the eye of judges should 
always comport with utility. Yet there are outlines of beauty 
which no one, not a simpleton, can mistake ; and beauty is always 
preferable to ugliness, even when an ugly form, as it sometimes 



190 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

does, embraces some desirable qualities. Beauty in a Short-horn 
would not be altogether beauty in a Devon, or Hereford ; neither 
would the latter be altogether beautiful in a short-horn figure. 
So with the rotund, long-haired Galloway, the wild, rough 
looking Highlander, or the meek, domestic, housekeeping Ayr- 
shire; while the unique, diminutive Alderney — a gem in her 
blood-like and picturesque little ugliness — would lose every 
attractive characteristic feature, if clothed in the perfect con- 
tour of a Devon. 

We say, then, perfection of form — according to its breed — is 
a great excellence in neat cattle. They should be good all over. 
One most desirable point, unnaturally developed, is apt to be so 
at the expense of another part equally desirable, which is 
deficient, for nature usually has its compensations, and is apt to 
square her account of superabundancies and deficiencies as she 
goes along, even in animals which are otherwise almost faultless. 
Thus, if a certain outline of anatomy, when fully fleshed, gives 
the proportionate quantities of valuable flesh in their proper 
places, such outline, according to the breed, is always to be 
sought for that object. If another outline better develops the 
milking properties of the cow, such a figure is to be sought, as 
near as may be, because of its likelihood to furnish the require- 
ments wanted. To sum up the whole matter, perfection of form, 
according to its kind, should be the aim of every breeder who 
aspires to success and profit in his pursuit. 

Some nice and discriminating breeders and writers on cattle, 
have given "scales of points," amounting to a hundred in all, to 
constitute a perfect animal; they give to every feature so many 
in number, as the importance of that feature may have to all the 
others, as two to the muzzle, one to the horn, four to the neck, 
ten to the brisket, twelve to the loin, and so on through the 
entire animal. We look upon all these nice discriminations as 
fanciful, rather than real, and have never known anybody gov- 



WHAT CONSTITUTES A GOOD ANIMAL. 191 

fined by them, even when on committees to judge of the relative 
merits of animals on exhibition, and charged to do so. We doubt 
even their ability to do it with anything like accuracy; and 
as these "scales of points" are made to differ in divers breeds, 
as they should do, they only serve to confuse, instead of sim- 
plify and make clear the general judgment of the whole. 
The eye, the touch, the weight, and measurement, must, after 
all, tell the story. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

ON BREEDING. GENERAL PRINCIPLES, IN-AND-IN BREEDING, 

EXAMPLES. 

Physiologically, this subject is first brought to our notice 
by the sacred historian, Moses, who has narrated the manner in 
which the patriarch Jacob, near four thousand years ago, retali- 
ated the injustice of his father-in-law, by the use of peeled rods 
to influence the colors of his cattle; and also by taking the 
progeny of those of sound health as his own, and leaving the 
weaker ones with Laban. Jacob was a shrewd physiologist, 
and probably spent much of the time, during his years of servi- 
tude in tending the flocks and herds at Padan-aran, in studied 
observation of their natures and habits. Jacob's practice gives 
us a hint, only, but that hint is the key to a wide field of inves- 
tigation of the true science of cattle breeding, and capable of 
almost indefinite ramification into every department of animal 
structure and physiology. 

Greek and Roman writers also, tell us of the improvement of 
flocks and herds in their own times, by the careful attention of 
herdsmen and shepherds. Their particular modes of improve- 
ment are not all related, but the fact is recorded, and history, 
from ancient days down to the present, establishes the fact, 
that wherever agriculture had attained an advanced condition 
with the people, their domestic animals shared in its improve- 
ment. What the varieties, or breeds, of the ancient cattle were, 
is not recorded in their chronicles, but at a later dav we have 



ON BREEDING. 193 

tnem with sufficient accuracy to govern our own choice, and 
profit by their example. 

We approach this subject with diffidence, and do not expect 
to say anything particularly new or peculiar. There have been 
volumes — in books, pamphlets, and essays — written, and indefi- 
nite numbers of discussions and controversies on the subject of 
breeding, at "taiks" and conventions. A good deal of sense, 
and somewhat of nonsense, has been both written and uttered, 
and all that we can do is to strive to condense, to a practical 
extent, the wisdom of the one, and avoid the other. 

The stock breeder, starting with any one or more varieties in 
breeds of cattle, does so, in all probability, with the intention of 
keeping his stock in as good quality and condition of blood as 
he obtained it, at least, if he have no intention or ability to 
make it better. But he should, if possible, make his stock 
better than he found it. To effect that result, a few fundamen- 
tal rules to govern the selection of his cattle, with which to 
commence his herd, are necessary. Some of them are here 
enumerated. Among their qualifications they should possess : 

1st. Sound health, and freedom from constitutional, heredi- 
tary, chronic, or local disease, blemish, or infirmity of any kind. 
And such sound health, and freedom from any kind of fixed 
disease, should appertain to every young animal which is to be 
retained for breeding purposes thereafter. 

2d. As much perfection of form as may be possible to 
obtain in the breed, bearing in mind the chief uses for which the 
animals are intended. 

3d. Uniformly alike the strong and marked characteristics of 
their breed, in the various points belonging to it. 

4th. When of a distinct breed, the blood be thoroughly pare, 
and that purity be substantiated by well-authenticated pedigrees, 
through as many generations back as can be ascertained. 



194 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

5th. Good temper, and a kindly, docile disposition in the 
animals so selected or reared for breeding, or other purposes. 

To carry out these rules, an enumeration of certain points 
which all cattle, of any breed, should possess, is necessary. 
Among them are: 

1st. A fine head, small and lean. 

2d. A broad, full and deep chest r giving room for well 
developed and vigorous lungs to play. 

3d. Good length, breadth and roundness of body, roomy 
and full from shoulder to hip, with low flanks, thus giving room 
for abundant action of the viscera, or bowels, and expansion for 
the foetus, if in a female. 

4th. Straight back, broad hips, and good length of loin. 

5th. Fineness of bone, and smoothness in the carcass gen- 
erally. 

All these are indispensable, whether in an animal bred for 
propagating its kind, for flesh solely, an ox for labor, or a cow 
for milk. The intermediate parts, or points of the animals, may 
be filled out to promote the objects desired for the particular uses 
to which the creature is to be applied; but all which we 
have enumerated, are indispensable in making up a good animal. 
Any one adopting a particular breed, may refer to the de- 
scriptions and portraits already given, to ascertain the chief 
points necessary to possess in his beast, and they need not 
here be repeated. 

To the rules, and their sub-divisions, here laid down, relating 
to the general figure of the animal, are to be added certain 
requisites to be supplied by the breeder, and of these may be 
named as indispensable: 

1st. Abundance of proper food in the various seasons, as 
grass, or its equivalent, in spring, summer and autumn; nutri 
tious, well-cured and prepared food in winter ; and plenty of good . 
water always. 



ON BREEDING. 195 

2d. Regularity in feeding; no overstuffing; no scantiness of 
allowance; but enough, always, without waste. 

3d. Shelter, always, when needed, according to temperature 
of climate and atmosphere; avoiding extreme cold, violent 
storms, and excessive heats. 

4th. Kindly treatment; thus promoting docility in the ani- 
mal; contentment of disposition, and a fearless confidence in 
its keeper — all promotive of quietude and thrift. Dumb beasts 
though they be, they appreciate good treatment much beyond 
what is usually supposed, and all these are indispensable to the 
successful efforts for the improvement, or even retention of 
their good qualities. 

These rules for selection and treatment being duly observed, 
some further explanations are necessary. 

Nature has certain unerring laws which must be observed; 
and those laws cannot be violated with impunity. "Like begets 
like." We have seen in the histories of the various breeds we 
have named, that each one has its own peculiar and well estab- 
lished features and characteristics, which are perpetuated in their 
progeny, although not always in the same relative degrees of 
perfection or imperfection, in which they exist in sire or dam. 

Perfection of outward form is seldom found in any domestic 
animal. If it were, that quality would be less valuable than it 
is usually considered, and not so eagerly sought by every breeder 
who aims at a high standard of excellence in his stock; and 
even when obtained, there is a constant tendency to inferiority 
in the stock of such perfect animals, unless the most diligent 
care is exercised by the breeder to couple him, or her, as the 
case may be, with other animals which possess, to a certain 
degree, his or her predominating excellencies. Much of this ten- 
dency toward inferiority, or, toward improving excellence, will 
depend on the depth of breeding in the parents — that is to say, 
the long established purity of blood — in the so perfected sire and 



196 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

dam. Uniform perfection or excellence, or the highest quality 
in appearance cannot always be expected in the produce of even 
an almost perfect sire and dam. Every now and then, in the 
finest herds there will come out a creature of inferior appear- 
ance, decidedly lacking some prominent good point possessed by 
both parents, or one of them. Yet, even this inferior production, 
having the good blood of his parents — constitution, health, and 
all eise being right — may prove as good a sire or dam as the 
very best of their superior relatives. We have known frequent 
instances of the kind, and may be excused for relating one with 
which we were for some time familiar. Some years ago, we 
knew a bull calf, which was selected from a pure bred herd in 
England, long established, and bred with a special care to retain 
their purity of blood and general good qualities. He was a 
good calf, possessing many of the strong and well defined points 
of his race ; but after his arrival in America, although healthy, 
vigorous and well cared for, he grew up an ordinary, and every 
way — for his breed — an inferior looking beast. Yet his stock 
proved remarkably fine, even from inferior and coarse cows of 
his own breed. It was not known that he ever got a calf but 
what was really superior, in appearance, and showing the prom- 
inent excellencies of the herd from which he sprung. Yet 
nobody liked the bull, and his importer, after keeping him two 
or three years, sold him at a low price. His new owner, appre- 
ciating the value of the blood of the bull, removed him to his 
own herd, which was rather miscellaneously composed of several 
very good, and some only middling, yet all, purely bred cows. 
He bred the bull to those cows for several years. The improve- 
ment he made in their produce, of even the best of the cows, 
was wonderful — better, indeed, than the produce of bulls of the 
highest appearance and reputation in some other herds — although 
no one of common observation would think him, judging by 
appearance, worth much, comparatively. His stock sold for high 



ON BREEDING. 197 

prices, and after the bull was dead, men wondered what they 
were about, not to appreciate the value of his blood! The sole 
value of the bull was in his blood and pedigree. Of himself, he 
was nothing; in his blood and pedigree, he was everything. So, 
on the contrary, we have seen a bull, almost perfect to the eye, 
pure in blood, and of good pedigree; but his pedigree traced 
through ancestors whose qualities were incongruous — both coarse 
and fine, or otherwise defective. His stock were uncertain in 
their good qualities, and many of them decidedly inferior. The 
first named bull could trace his lineage through a long line of 
ancestry, possessing uniformly good qualities; the latter one 
could not. He was patch- work, although thorough bred, as his 
pedigree showed; but there was no fixed standard of excellence 
through his long line of ancestry, and through him, their bad 
qualities all scattered into his stock, and his own good ones, as 
seen in his stock, amounted to nothing positively certain. Thus, 
pedigree is indispensable ; and apparent excellence in the animal 
himself, unsupported by pedigree of undoubted excellence in a 
long line, is of minor value. 

Still, in the selection of breeding animals, good form and 
appearance, and good pedigree should go together. As a rule, 
we would not rely on pedigree alone. The appearance of the 
animal should endorse the pedigree, and when good points and 
good pedigree are combined, they constitute excellence of the 
highest order. A sire or dam may be faulty in some minor par- 
ticular of feature, yet when that minor feature is surmounted 
by a prominent excellence in a more important and controlling 
one, the inferior point may be overlooked in securing the better 
one. Even apparent coarseness in some particulars, belonging 
to a sire or dam, may be excused, when connected with good 
constitution and stamina, if either be coupled with one of the 
opposite sex, having a tendency to over-fineness, or exceeding 
delicacy. The vigor &nd apparent coarseness of the one will be 



198 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

corrected in the fineness of the other ; or the opposite may occur, 
and an almost or quite perfect progeny may be the result of their 
union. And so with other qualities. E xtremes of size, in both 
sire and dam, may, in some instances, be coupled together, except 
in great size of the sire, and diminutive smallness in the dam ; and 
such should not be bred together; but the conditions and sexes 
may be reversed, as the finer bull to the coarser cow, to great 
advantage. A little explanation is here necessary. As a rule, 
cows of a small breed should not be bred to bulls of a much 
larger breed, as a Devon, or Alderney, or even a diminutive 
native cow, to a Short-horn bull. We except the Short-horn 
bull, or whatever other breed of large cattle he may be, for this 
reason: The foetus, or embryo calf, will partake more or less of 
the character of the sire. If the formation be large, after the 
sire, the growth of the foetus will be correspondingly large, 
needing an undue amount of nourishment, and taxing heavily 
the energies of the cow to carry it forward to parturition; and 
at the time of birth it may be so large that the cow will be 
unable, of herself, to deliver it — and sometimes, even with the 
assistance of a farrier — alive. We have known small cows to 
die under the process, and others to have the calf dissected m 
pieces to be delivered, when with a calf of her own kind, no 
danger would ensue. The contrast of size was too violent for 
safety to either the calf or its dam. 

Another ill effect from this coupling of the large bull with the 
small cow is, that for the want of sufficient room in the womb 
of the cow while growing, the foetus becomes ill-shaped, and the 
proper proportions of the limbs are not extended as they should 
be. The consequence is a badly formed offspring. But in 
putting the larger cow to the smaller bull, the case is reversed, 
and a finely formed calf is the result. This latter is the true 
way to breed the larger and smaller classes together. Still, if it 
be necessary to breed the larger kind of bull to the smaller cows, 



ON BREEDING. 199 

a bull of the smallest size of his kind, compact and snug in 
proportion, should be selected, and the larger thus gradually 
engrafted into the smaller breed, when, in a generation or two, 
no danger can follow the use of good sized bulls on the heifers 
of such offsprings from the smaller dams. 

In thorough breeding, the bull should always show his own 
masculine character, energy, and vigor — no cow look about him. 
The cow should possess the softer and delicate points of her sex 
in their fullest development, and no masculine features should 
give her anything of a steer-like appearance. Sexuality, in their 
highest qualities, should be stamped in every feature, on both 



It sometimes occurs that two certain animals — bull and cow, 
both of excellent quality — do not breed well together. The 
good qualities of neither of them descend to their progeny, the 
form and features of such progeny running back into some 
unknown inferior characteristics of the ancestry of one or both 
the parents. This cannot be accounted for, only in the occasional 
uncertainties of nature in transmitting the character of parents 
directly to their offspring. When such uncertainty is ascer- 
tained to be the habit of the cow and bull so breeding, further 
intercourse between them should cease, and the cow coupled 
with a different bull. On the contrary, when a certain bull and 
cow do breed successfully together, producing really good stock, 
they should continue to be bred together, unless a bull of 
altogether superior points and pedigree can be found. We 
know no necessity for changing the bull when the cow breeds 
well to him, unless the new bull be a great deal better than the 
one she has previously bred to. Changing, merely for the sake 
of change, is of no benefit. It is mischievously introducing a 
multiplicity of crosses into one's herd, and thus scattering their 
blood into uncertainties, and wide variety of offspring, when 
fixed excellencies might be perpetuated to more advantage. 



200 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

We might run into almost numberless refinements, or theories, 
touching subordinate particulars of sire or dam, without reaching 
any well defined or accurate result; but when we say that our 
preliminary rules must be steadfastly adhered to, and after that, 
to breed from the best sires, in their outward appearance, to be 
obtained, and good pedigrees attached to them, the main point 
of the object is accomplished. 

There is one question touching the improvement, as well as of 
maintaining stock in their wonted excellence, in which much 
controversy has for many years existed, viz.: the advantages or 
policy of breeding from affinities, more or less near in blood and 
consanguinity, called 

"in-and-in breeding." 

Perhaps there is no better place to touch upon it than here. 
In the improvement and working up to their present degree of 
perfection, the several races of domestic animals which have 
attracted the attention of modern stock breeders, we find that 
the most remarkable and successful results, so far as concerned 
the outward form, internal structure, and productive power of 
the animals, have been derived from this system. History, so 
far as we know it, so instructs us. In order to perfectly under- 
stand it, we briefly state the premises. 

We throw out of the question the absurd proposition enter- 
tained by some, that any one of the present well established 
breeds of cattle, have been formed by crossing those of divers 
strange breeds upon each other. Such has not been the case in 
any long established breeds with which we are familiar. In the 
history of those breeds, we have seen that with occasional 
exceptions, they have existed from time immemorial in their 
own distinct characters and varieties, and that they have been 
improved from the blood of themselves alone. That question 
needs no further discussion. The only question now is, as to the 



ON BREEDING. 201 

fact of that improvement being made, and to what extent, by a 
course of breeding from close relationship in blood with each 
other. The practice — as it certainly has been the practice — 
probably originated from the selection of animals possessing 
certain superior and desirable qualities, and after breeding them 
together, their produce being found to possess the combined 
good qualities of both parents, in an improved degree, the 
breeders, with a view of fixing and concentrating those good 
points still more strongly in the blood and constitution of their 
animals, bred the sire to his daughter, the sons and daughters 
with each other, sons to mothers, and any, and all sorts of rela- 
tionship which, among humanity, would be considered the most 
incestuous. Yet this practice, among their dumb animals, proved 
eminently successful. They thus obtained stock of certain and 
positive qualities of excellence, which, among each other, or 
when bred upon stock of other families or tribes, would stamp 
their own character upon them, with a certainty and strength 
that could be reached by no kind of miscellaneous breeding 
whatever. 

This mode of breeding, to obtain certain results, has been 
practiced with all domestic animals — among quadrupeds, from 
the horse down to the rabbit — and with the feathered tribes, 
through all their varieties, from the swan to the canary bird. 
Such is the fact; and in support of it, numerous instances might 
be named, in breeding other animals than cattle, which are not 
now necessary to notice, as we state the principle on which the 
practice has been adopted, and the successful results which have 
followed it. The subject will bear some discussion. 

A prejudice, to a considerable extent, exists in the popular 
mind against blood relation in breeding animals of any variety, 
and they indulge it in regard to the lower orders of Crea- 
tion as they do to mankind. So far as the prejudice relates 
to humanity, it is mainly derived from Divine authority, as a 
9* 



202 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

general principle, and also from various statistical tables, giving 
the results of intermarriages between blood relations, in the 
decline of stamina, physical power, and mental vigor of the 
parents, in their descendants. Some of these statistical tables 
may be true; others may be highly colored with the bias of 
opinion or prejudice entertained by those who made them. 
These statements might be more or less controverted, by close 
inquiry into the various circumstances in which the parents were 
placed, and the modes of life and education to which such fami- 
lies, both in parent and offspring, were subjected. 

We do not propose to combat the prejudices above named, 
nor are we disposed to yield to all the sweeping conclusions to 
which the objections are carried, either in theory or apparent 
fact. There are certain physical parallels running through both 
the human family and the brute creation, to which the same 
rules may, either directly, or remotely apply; but not all rules; 
and we may name some of these parallels, with the differences 
which apply to them. Let us see with how much justice. 

Man is far more nicely constituted in his bodily functions than 
the lower orders of animals. He attains much greater longevity 
than the most of them. He is liable to infinitely more diseases, 
and those diseases are more complicated in kind, origin, treat- 
ment and result. The chances of life, from infancy to a state of 
puberty, are far less in human than in the brute creation, from 
numberless circumstances unnecessary here to mention. He is 
endowed with thought, sentiment, understanding, sympathies, 
imagination, as well as instinct and passion. These qualities are 
all which need to be enumerated for our present purpose. 

The lower orders of animals are less subject to casualties of 
life or limb; less liable to disease; less exposed to danger in 
bringing forth their young; less helpless in infancy, and sooner 
able to provide for their own natural wants. They have little 
thought; no great degree of sense; little reasoning faculty; 



ON BREEDING. 203 

some memory; dull imagination; not a particle of sentiment; 

slight sympathy; no lasting affection for their offspring after 
they can provide for themselves; and no power of mind to rise 
above the order of their natures. Their permanent affections, 
if they can be said to have affections at all, are towards man 
alone. They have instinct and passion much stronger than man ; 
and that instinct and passion are uncontrollable — even by dis- 
cipline, unless under superior force — and they indulge them on 
every available occasion, regardless of consequences. Thus man 
and the brute have little in common beyond their animal pro- 
pensities. 

We have spoken of mankind in a state of civilization. But 
even man can become brutalized ; and the lower in the scale of 
humanity he descends, the more like the brute, in the indulgence 
of his instincts and passion, he becomes, until, perhaps, the brute 
is the better of the two. 

Medical men tell us, and observing people know, that concep- 
tion and gestation in mankind, are more or less influenced by the 
sensations or action of the mind, as sympathy, or imagination, 
fright or terror in the female during their continuance, as seen 
by strange marks on their bodies, or strange freaks of character 
in their offspring in numerous instances. It is seldom seen in the 
brute creation, and then only by sudden and startling emotion, 
or long familiarity with particular associations. Man, unless he 
becomes thoroughly brutalized, revolts at known incest. The 
brute, in either sex, gratifies its lust with the first object of its 
kind it meets, no matter what the blood relation, and in this 
indulgence, only acts out its nature. In domestication, they are 
but machines in our hands, with which to work out certain desired 
results, and their relations in blood have nothing to do with pro- 
priety or impropriety, in the coupling them together in any 
conceivable blood relationship. 



204 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Wild animals of every race and variety, herd together, come 
in heat, copulate without regard to blood relation, the stronger 
males taking precedence in such service, and the young usually, 
unless accident occur, being healthy, robust, and keeping up the 
qualities of their sires and dams. Put a pair of wild deer in a 
park, and let them breed together for years, and their young also, 
promiscuously at will; no deterioration is found in them — pro- 
vided their natural habits and food are not interfered with. 
There are herds of wild cattle in some parks in the north of 
England, which have been bred together for centuries, without 
molestation or interference, save when they are occasionally 
slaughtered, and they remain the same in vigor, form, and appear- 
ance. Instinct and desire are the passions which govern them 
in procreation, regardless of blood relation, and with no evil con- 
sequences. A pair of pigeons, geese, swans, ducks, rabbits, or 
other small domesticated animals, are put together in the same 
way, and they and their offspring breed at will, promiscuously, 
for years together, with no bad results, and we think nothing of 
it. So with cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and goats — every brute 
animal, in fact, which breeds at all. They have no family affec- 
tions or sympathies, no permanent likes or dislikes, after the 
mother has weaned her young, and it has become able to provide 
for itself. The female, when in heat, freely receives the male, 
comely or uncomely, no matter what, if of her own kind ; and 
the male, with the same ungovernable propensity, seeks his grati- 
fication with her. Blood relation among themselves amounts to 
nothing, even if they had the capacity to think of it, which they 
have not. The indulgence of their lust is the sole object of their 
desire, and that is effected regardless of consequences. 

We say, then, that the question of brute incest amounts to 
nothing. Breeding in-and-in, so far as the animal is affected, is 
no more than breeding "out-and-out" into strange blood at every 
cross, under like conditions and circumstances. 



UN BREEDING. 205 

Let us understand: Conceding that our point is well taken, 
there is one grand fundamental condition upon which all progres- 
sive breeding is founded, viz.: Sound health and constitution in 
the parents whose produce is sought to be improved. If closely 
related animals have constitutional disease of any kind, their 
offspring will inherit it, and interbreeding will intensify the 
disease in every descending production of the family. Even the 
out-and-out breeding of unhealthy animals, with healthy sires or 
dams, will not altogether eradicate the disease inherited, or 
chronic, as it may be. Unsound, or diseased animals, or those 
having a tendency to disease or unsoundness, when bred together, 
no matter how distant their blood relation, their produce will be 
unsound; and if the disease be apparently checked or oblit- 
erated in the young stock, it may he dormant for a time, and 
then break out in their descendants in all its original virulence, 
as seen in their ancestors of some generations back. Diseased 
animals should never be used in either progressive or any other 
breeding. Also, if barrenness (although barrenness is not prop- 
erly a disease,} be a constitutional tendency in the first dam, or 
lack of virility be a constitutional tendency in the first sire, 
those tendencies may become perpetuated to such degree, by close 
interbreeding from parents to offspring, or between such offspring, 
as to finally result in almost total barrenness on both "sides, in 
the entire family. If such tendency increase in the produce, 
new blood of an opposite tendency must, of course, be intro- 
duced. But, if the blood of these barrenly inclined animals, 
otherwise than in that particular fault in either sire or dam, be 
of great value, they should be coupled with other fruitful ones 
of different families, possessed in as high degree as possible of 
the same distinctive qualities, sought to be perpetuated through 
the original parents, so that the same distinct characteristics may 
be retained in the herd. "Like produces like," is the inexorable 
law of nature, only departed from, under strange and extraor- 



206 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

dinary influences, and the axiom should never be neglected by 
the breeder. To follow its teachings, generally, is the road 
either to success or ruin. Good animals, as a rule, will produce 
their kind; bad ones will produce theirs. Our remarks regard- 
ing barrenness and its tendencies, as well as the recovery into 
full fruitfulness, might be illustrated, had we the space, by several 
well authenticated examples, now unnecessary, and perhaps 
invidious to mention. 

To follow up the " in-and-in" theory: Suppose, after breeding 
thus closely for a series of years, some failing in vigor or quality 
is detected in the young stock; should further interbreeding be 
continued? No. What then? There always will be, if your 
stock be of blood having any currency at all, a distantly removed 
family of the kind, possessing mainly, or fully, the identical 
blood of your own herd, in a locality not far distant, to which, if 
their good qualities be still retained, a resort may at once be 
made to reinvigorate your stock, and a fresh cross be obtained. 
We may be here met with the objection, that if the same blood 
be resorted to, the cross will not be a fresh one, and the like ill 
results follow, as with your own previous in-and-in breeding. 
Such fact, by no means, need follow. 

Suppose that an importation of a number of cattle of a closely 
bred family — bulls and cows — be made into New York, Boston, 
or Philadelphia. A part of them are taken into New England, 
another part into Pennsylvania, or Western New York, and 
another into Kentucky, Ohio, or a farther Western State, whoro 
the soils are quite unlike, and the climates somewhat different 
from each other. These animals, thus widely separated, will 
soon acquire somewhat different characteristics from each other 
family of the same original stock, although all may be kept and 
bred with equal care. The water they drink, the soil on which 
they graze, the food they eat, the climate they inhabit, will work 
somewhat of a change in their constitutions and habits, and one 



ON BREEDING. 207 

of the families, although bred in the same manner, and with the 
same care in keeping, may be different from, or superior to the 
others in some peculiar quality. Thus, these families become 
estranged in constitutional blood, and somewhat in habit, from 
each other. They do, in their wide separation, become new 
herds, so far as their close original blood is concerned. After 
some years' continuance in their varied localities, they may, there- 
fore, be reunited, in the application of bulls to the cows of their 
distant relations, with entire safety to the quality of their future 
offspring. We have seen this very thing already done with 
admirable effect, in the United States, and with an improvement, 
if possible, on the good qualities of the originally imported stock. 
Under such circumstances, a resort to the old blood can be 
made, and kept intact in the herd without deterioration, and 
thus prevent an infusion of baser, or less desirable quality, in the 
herd proposed to be kept perfect in its lineage, and no outside 
cross need be admitted. Bakewell did so with his Long-horns, 
through his whole course of cattle breeding, going only twice 
out of his own herd for a fresh bull, and then into the same 
family blood, at the distance of a few counties away, and no 
breeder of his time had better, if as good cattle of the kind as 
he. Price, a noted breeder of Herefords thirty years ago — no 
better in England — asserted that he had not gone out of his 
own herd for a bull for forty years, and at his final sale, when he 
gavo up breeding, his cattle brought the highest prices — for 
Herefords — that had been known. The two brothers Colling 
began breeding short-horns, from the best cattle they could 
obtain from other breeders, about the year 1780. They soon 
got the bull Hubback, a thorough bred of their own breed, and 
although they retained him only three years, they bred pertina- 
ciously from his blood until the year 1810 — thirty years — 
excepting only in Charles Colling's "alloy" family of the Gallo- 
way cross. Charles, in that year, sold out his stock at the 



208 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

highest prices ever known. His brother Robert so bred his 
stock — no "alloy" about them — until 1818 — thirty-eight years — 
when he sold out at prices larger than any other short-horn herd 
would sell for at the time. By a change of times, (it was war 
times when Charles sold, and the country was at peace when 
Robert sold,) all agricultural prices were much lower in 1818. 
Their stocks stood in the very highest repute, and no men had 
bred so intensely in-and-in, by every possible intermixture, as 
they, adhering to their old blood to the last. Charles, in some 
instances, bred his bull "Favorite" to his own dam, and sister, 
and granddaughters, and so down, for four or five generations. 

So also, bred Mr. Bates, who bought his first "Duchess," 
deeply bred in-and-in, of Charles Colling, in the year 1804. He 
bred her and her near relations together, all closely allied in 
blood, and never went out of his own herd for a bull, with 
any success, as he frequently asserted, until the year 1831, 
when he obtained the bull "Belvedere," of the same blood, in 
another herd. He also introduced into his herd, the "Matchem 
cow," an animal showing excellent points of character, a stranger 
to his own stock, but which he contended had a back cross of 
his favorite blood in her, and thus possessing good quality, with 
which to reinvigorate the energies of his deeply in-and-in bred 
stock. He crossed his best bulls on that cow, and then interbred 
her produce with others of his old blood, and adhered to that 
blood thus crossed, and still further interbred, for the remainder 
of his life. Mr. Bates died in 1849, and for more than fifty 
years was a short-horn breeder. 

So, also, bred the Booth brothers, John and Richard, long 
time breeders of great celebrity, and their stock still remains in 
high repute, both in England and America. They bred deeply 
in-and-in. So did the Wetherells, Mr. Mason, Wright, Trotter, 
Charge, Earl Spencer, Sir Charles Knightley, and other noted 
breeders of their day, although we know less of their particular 



ON BREEDING. 209 

breeding, only as we trace them through the early Herd Books, 
than of the Collings, and Bates. All these herds were of high 
reputation, and their blood, passing since through the hands of 
other breeders, is now widely, by importation, scattered over the 
United States and the Canadas. 

We would not be invidious in naming these particular breeders 
and their stocks, nor the short-horn breed, but to illustrate a fact. 
Every improved race of cattle in Britain has been more or 
less so in-and-in bred — Devons, Herefords, Long-horns, Ayr- 
shires, Highlands, Galloways, Alderneys, and the famous "Dutch" 
cows of Holland. It was indispensable so to do, to concentrate 
their good qualities until a standard of excellence had been 
attained, from which the breeders could strike out into more 
divergent blood. 

Thus, the fact that in-and-in breeding, of itself, having a ten- 
dency to deteriorate the quality of the produce is shown to be 
fallacious, so far as those breeders were concerned : the manner of 
doing so is quite another thing. Interbreeding in such close 
relation, is a nice — possibly a hazardous — thing, and can only be 
practiced by experienced men who are good physiologists, have 
a just appreciation of both the good and indifferent qualities 
which their cattle possess, and the knowledge how to couple 
them together to produce favorable results. 

The great merits and object claimed for in-and-in breeding, is 
the concentration of good blood in the animal so bred, enabling 
him or her to transmit that blood strongly, not only in the herd 
where they originated, but in other herds to which they may be 
removed. We do not, in fact, believe that many who object to 
the so-called " in-and-in" practice of breeding, really appreciate 
their own course of practice, while they are constantly pursuing 
that which they condemn. 

Our attention has been recently called to this subject by Mr. 
T. S. Humrickhouse, of Coshocton, Ohio, — a breeder of cattle 



210 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

himself — who has evidently paid much attention to the subject. 
We give his notes as sent to us : 

"IN-AND-IN BREEDING. SHORT-HORNS. ESTABLISHING OR 

FIXING THE VARIETY AS AN IMPROVED BREED. 

"In my essay, published in the Ohio Agricultural Report for 
1854, on 'The General Principles of Propagation,' &c, page 
179, I use this language: 

" ' And, if there are advantages arising from the having placed 
in the line of the direct ancestry, near and remote, of our herds, 
a great number of approved individuals, both male and female, 
as has been seen, it follows that there must be far greater advan- 
tages arising from having the same one individual — if he be of 
marked superiority — placed in that line the greatest possible num- 
ber of times. This is done by 'in-and-in breeding,' and is the 
object of it. Now, it is easier to find this one unsurpassed 
individual than to find many, for, in the many, there will most 
certainly be one to be preferred to all the rest. Then, under 
the operation of the principle of atavism, (ancestral excellence 
or peculiarity,) the chances, that the resemblance of such une- 
qualled ancestor will be obtained, must be in the ratio of the 
number of times that he occurs in the ascending lines. Hence 
greater uniformity and greater excellence in all the progeny. 
An apt illustration of this is found, in the frequent occurrence of 
the G-odolphin Arabian, in the pedigrees of all our blooded horses, 
carried back to him as their founder.' 

"To give greater force to the thoughts expressed in this quota- 
tion, I have, ever since they were committed to paper, entertained 
the purpose, at some time, to make the actual count. Instead, 
however, of using the thorough bred horse as the illustration, I 
now find it much easier, owing to the greater completeness of 
the materials at hand for making such a count, to carry out that 
design by using the improved short-horns as an illustration, and 



ON BREEDING. 211 

taking Mr. Charles Colling's famous bull Favorite (252) — one 
of the most celebrated of the variety- — as the individual, the 
number of descents from whom, in the pedigrees of some of our 
living short-horns, is to be ascertained. Accordingly, I have 
made the count, in the cases of several animals selected for that 
purpose; and, for the better understanding of the subject, their 
pedigrees, as contained in the Herd Book, have been transcribed, 
and, together with the result of the count aa made for each, given 
below " 

Mr. H. then gives the names and pedigrees, from the Ameri- 
can Herd Book, of eight thorough bred short-horns, some of 
them bred in England, and imported into America, with their 
produce since arriving here — the names of which we have not 
room, nor is it necessary, to insert — each of which number from 
672 to 8,104 descents — through all their collateral ancestry — 
into their own blood from the aforesaid bull Favorite (252). 

Thus, although our short-horn breeders, by the substitution of 
"new crosses," as they suppose, are infusing fresh blood into 
their herds, are, in reality, persistently breeding back into essen- 
tially the same blood with which they started, or still retain, 
varied only by their change to different localities, yet deriving 
their lineage from the same original ancestry. 

It is so with all improved breeds, or races of cattle, and other 
animals. A very few breeders and improvers, with a few well 
chosen animals, started the system, and from the produce which 
they reared from them, scattered through numerous individual 
hands, they have spread and multiplied, as did the children of 
Israel first descended from Abraham, into their own chosen tribes^ 
each of their kind, but all chiefly one blood, and one lineage. 

We feel much indebted to the acumen and industry of Mr. 
Humrickhouse for his hint and illustration. 

We have discussed his subject of breeding, at some length, 
mainly historically, rather than from a wish to commend it, aa 



212 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

we are aware that much misapprehension has been entertained 
regarding it, and consider it necessary, in the present advanced 
state of cattle breeding in our country, that it should be fully 
understood. 

We are not an advocate of the practice now, except in partic 
ular cases, and under peculiar circumstances. There is, indeed, 
no necessity for it, to any extent, as our popular breeds of cattle 
are so widely distributed as to permit advantageous selections to 
be made from various herds for fresh crosses, without running 
into close relations of blood. Yet, two or three direct crosses 
may be made in successive generations, with a choice bull on his 
own descendants, even now, to decided advantage. 

To sum up this prolonged discussion, we would, as a rule, only 
advise the breeder, either of pure bred cattle, or grades, to com- 
mence his herd with the best and most perfect animals he can 
find, or which he can afford, both cows and bulls; and so often 
as he needs a new bull, to again get the best one he can. Then, 
with due care, skill, and diligence, he may succeed, keeping 
always in mind the governing principles and rules laid down at 
the beginning of this discussion. A volume of writing would 
not much further enlighten him, as he is presumed to have some 
discretion and judgment of his own to guide his conduct. 

We close this, we fear, too long extended branch of our sub- 
ject, by quoting Sir John S. Sebright, a distinguished English 
authority, who early in the present century acquired much 
celebrity as a stock breeder among the smaller varieties of 
domestic animals. It was written in the year 1809, and entitled 
"The Art of Improving the Breeds of Domestic Animals: In a 
letter addressed to Sir Joseph Banks, by Sir John Saunders 
Sebright." 

u The best breeds, after having been obtained at great expense, 
too frequently degenerate from mismanagement. Men conceive 
that, if they have procured good males and good females, they 



ON BREEDING. 213 

have done all that is necessary to establish and to continue a 
good breed ; but this is by no means the case. 

"Were I to define what is called the art of breeding, I should 
say that it consisted in the selection of males and females, 
intended to breed together, in reference to each other's merits 
and defects. 

"It is not always by putting the best male to the best female, 
that the best produce will be obtained; for, should they both 
have a tendency to the same defect, although in ever so slight a 
degree, it will, in general, preponderate so much in the produce 
as to render it of little value. 

"A breed of animals may be said to be improved when any 
desired quality has been increased by art, beyond what that qual- 
ity was in the same breed in a state of nature; the swiftness of 
the race-horse, the propensity to fatten in cattle, and the fine 
wool in sheep, are improvements which have been made in par- 
ticular varieties of the species to which these animals belong. 
What has been produced by art must be continued by the same 
means, for the most improved breeds will soon return to a state 
of nature, or perhaps defects will arise, which did not exist when 
the breed was in its natural state, unless the greatest attention is 
paid to the selection of the individuals who are to breed together. 

"We must observe the smallest tendency to imperfection in 
our stock, the moment it appears, so as to be able to counteract 
it before it becomes a defect ; as a rope-dancer, to preserve his 
equilibrium, must collect the balance before it has gone too far, 
and then not by such a motion as will incline it too much to the 
opposite side. 

"The breeder's success will depend entirely upon the degree 
lit which he may happen to possess this particular talent. 

" Regard should not only be paid to the qualities apparent in 
animals, selected for breeding, but to those which have prevailed 
in the race from which they are descended, as they will always 



214 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

show themselves sooner or later in the progeny. It is for this 
reason that we should not breed from an animal, however excel- 
lent, unless we can ascertain it to be what is called well bred; 
that is, descended from a race of ancestors, who have, through 
several generations, possessed, in a high degree, the properties 
which it is our object to obtain. 

"If a breed cannot be improved, or even continued in the 
degree of perfection at which it has already arrived, but by breed- 
ing from individuals so selected as to correct each other's defects, 
and by a judicious combination of their different properties, (a 
position, I believe, that will not be denied,) it follows that ani- 
mals must degenerate, by being long bred from the same family, 
without the intermixture of any other blood, or from being what 
is technically called bred in-and-in. 

"Breeding is sometimes done with father and daughter, and 
mother and son. This is not what I consider as breeding in-and- 
in; for the daughter is only half of the same blood as the father, 
and will probably partake, in a small degree, of the properties of 
the mother. 

"Mr. Meynel sometimes bred from brother and sister. This 
is certainly what may be called a little close; but should they 
both be very good, and, -particularly, should the same defects not 
predominate in both, but the perfections of the one promise to 
correct in the produce the imperfections of the other, I do not 
think it objectionable. 

" Mr. Bake well had certainly the merit of destroying the absurd 
prejudice which formerly prevailed against breeding from animals 
between whom there was any degree of relationship. Had this 
opinion been universally acted upon, no one could have been said 
to be possessed of a particular breed, good or bad; for the pro- 
duce of one year would have been dissimilar to that of another, 
and we should have availed ourselves but little of an animal of 
superior merit, that we might have had the good fortune to 
possess. 



ON BREEDING. 215 

"The effect of breeding in-and-in may be accelerated 01 
retarded by selection, particularly in those animals who produce 
many young ones at a time. There may be families so nearly 
perfect as to go through several generations, without sustaining 
much injury from having been bred in-and-in. 

" Breeding in-and-in, will, of course, have the same effect in 
strengthening the good, as the bad properties, and may be bene- 
ficial, if not carried too far, particularly in fixing any variety 
which may be thought valuable. 

" If the original male and female were of different families, by 
breeding from the mother and son, and again from the male pro- 
duce and the mother, and from the father and the daughter in 
the same way, two families sufficiently distinct might be obtained ; 
for the son is only half of the father's blood, and the produce 
from the mother and the son will be six parts of the mother and 
two of the father. 

"Although I believe the occasional intermixture of different 
families to be necessary, I do not, by any means, approve of mix- 
ing two distinct breeds, with the view of uniting the valuable 
properties of both. This experiment has been frequently tried 
by others as well as myself, but has, I believe, never succeeded. 
The first cross frequently produces a tolerable animal, but it is 
a breed that cannot be continued. 

"It is well known that a particular formation generally indi- 
cates a disposition to get fat, in all sorts of animals ; but this rule 
is not universal, for we sometimes see animals of the most 
approved forms, who are slow feeders, and whose flesh is of a bad 
quality, which the graziers easily ascertain by the touch. The 
disposition to get fat is more generally found in some breeds than 
in others. The Scotch Highland cattle are remarkable for being 
almost all quick feeders, although many of them are defective in 
shape. The Welsh cattle have but little disposition to get fat; 
not from being particularly ill-shaped, but because they are 
almost invariably what the graziers call bad handlers. 



216 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

"No trouble or expense will be spared by those who expect 
to derive profit, not from the quantity, but from the quality 
of the animals which they breed. The competition, which must 
always exist between breeders of this description, will be a never- 
failing stimulus to exertion. 

"The common farmer, who seldom sees any stock but his own 
and that of his neighbors, generally concludes, that his own have 
arrived at the summit of perfection. But the breeder must 
frequently submit his male animals to the inspection of the pub- 
lic and criticism of his rivals, who will certainly not encourage 
any prejudices he may entertain of their superiority. 

"These observations are the result of many years' experience, 
in breeding animals of various descriptions. But the life of man 
is not long enough to form very decisive conclusions upon a sub 
ject which is so little understood, and which is darkened by 
innumerable prejudices. Many experiments must be tried, to 
establish a single fact ; for nature is sometimes so capricious in her 
productions, that the most accurate observer will be frequently 
deceived, if he draws any inference from a single experiment." 

The question of "in-and-in breeding" has of late years been 
earnestly discussed both in Great Britain and the United States, con- 
nected particularly with short-horns, as well as some other breeds of 
cattle. Without undue partiality to the short-horns over others, 
the most important discussions have taken place relating to that 
breed as an example. In noticing them in previous pages we 
have related the intensity of the practice of some of their early 
breeders in pursuing what may be termed incestuous crossing of 
the closest blood relationships in their animals, as with the 
Pollings, Booth, Mason, Bates, and some of their contemporaries, 
and followed by many of their successors down to the present 
day. Those earlier breeders reared the most popular and highest 
priced cattle of their times. The descendants of those choicest 
and most popular tribes of their rearing, bred in the same lines of 



ON BREEDING. 217 

descent, with an occasional outcross by bulls of other approved 
tribes or families of the same breed, have maintained an equal 
superiority in sale prices. Men with ample means at command 
and of fastidious tastes have indulged in the costly luxury of the 
possession of these choice descendants, and in breeding them have 
adhered with pertinacity closely to the blood of their tribes, con- 
tinuously producing almost models of perfection in their anatomi- 
cal forms and valuable qualities. At public sales, where hundreds 
of good judges of them have assembled, prices for particular 
specimens of either sex have swelled to thousands of pounds 
sterling, or equivalent sums in dollars each. In private sales 
nearly or quite equal prices have ruled, pedigree, together with 
good quality in the animal, being the controlling influence in the 
selections. 

Such, whatever may be said of the wisdom of it, is "in-and-in 
breeding," and numerous breeders of miscellaneously yet purely 
descended cattle of the blood, useful for all purposes of their kind, 
seek to ally their herds to the costlier ones, so far as their means 
will permit, by purchases of them, although not at all converts to 
the system of intense relationship of their ancestry. Sound judg- 
ment and discrimination must be exercised by all who seek im- 
provement in their herds in the course to be pursued. 

It may be considered somewhat out of place in a discussion of 
" breeding " to allude to the strange theories of the late author 
and physiologist, Darwin, and his disciples relating to what they 
term " Evolution," making in its application a transformation of 
all animated nature, beast, birds and creeping things into some 
other sort of creature, different from its original creation, until 
they attained their present physiological, anatomical, or other 
shapes as we see them in their several varieties. We have even 
humanity presented to us illustrated through gradual transforma- 
tions from a frog, a horse, a monkey, almost any animal in fact, 
10 



218 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

to perfect manhood as now constituted, as if the first life 
of all animated nature was a mere chance medley affair of 
dust or other inert matter, which took to itself an infinitude of 
shapes and life as accident might govern, all which, however, 
we only mention as one of the so-called "scientific" skepti- 
cisms of the day, and discussed by men of real attainments 
in many other things valuable to human research and knowledge. 

Believing, as we do, that all animal life is now, either in its 
wild or domesticated condition, essentially in their anatomical 
forms, instincts, habits and appetites as they were created, and 
changed in character only as they have been subjected to the 
dominion of man, the consideration of their condition, as applied 
to immediate uses, should be the main subject of their study. We 
do not propose to argue the question of the transformation of 
a class of cattle or other domesticated animals from one type of 
utility into another, as changed by climate, food, treatment or 
other influences, of the various breeds in which they now exist; 
but taking them as we find them, the great point is to make 
them as perfect as possible in' their various profitable uses. We 
have given at large the experience and results of wise practical 
men in the breeding of close relationship. 

It may be well to note also the opposite opinions of many 
others, who hold that no close blood relation should be practiced 
in crossing to promote the best health and condition of their 
cattle. These latter adopt the Mosaic instruction to a certain 
extent, as if dumb animal incest were, if not a positive crime, a 
decided injury to be avoided. We readily admit that when 
equally good qualities in the animals to be coupled can be found 
in distinct tribes or families, not blood related, it is better so to 
do, yet after all the breeder must have brains, as well as acquire- 
ments and a diligent exercise of both in his practice to work out 
a successful problem to his labors. 



CHAPTER XX. 

TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 

This is purely a practical matter. It may be said to belong 
properly to the subject of breeding; but we purpose to give it 
emphasis in a chapter by itself, and not mix it with topics in 
part theoretical. 

The whole subject is important, whether applied to cattle 
which range in miscellaneous herds, or in choice collections of 
either grade, or pure bred animals for particular, or ordinary pur- 
poses. The cow, as has already been observed, is a creature of 
instinct, impulse, and passion. Her instinct is, to breed her 
kind; her impulse is, to seek the male when that instinct becomes 
active ; her passion is, to be gratified with the first opportunity. 
She has no fancy, no taste, and little imagination. She as read- 
ily receives the embraces of the most villainous scrub that falls 
in her way, as the bull of comeliest proportions; and if it so 
happen that she encounters them both in her phrenzy, the infe- 
rior brute is almost sure to impregnate her, even under the 
stealthiest, and apparently, least available opportunity. Under 
such circumstances, therefore, it is necessary that cows associate 
only with their kind, and so far as possible, with those of their 
own breed ; and when pure bred animals, with only those of 
decided excellence. 

We say that the cow has little imagination; but she may 
have some, and that imagination is emotional, acted upon sud- 
denly, and for only a brief period during sexual heat, or the 
early stages of pregnancy. Her associations at such a season, 



220 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

should familiarize her to the sight of the best of her kind. If an 
inferior male, a steer, or ox, for instance, be running in the same 
field, or an adjoining one, where she can see him (and such 
steer, or ox, will always strive to appease her passion, if they can 
get together, to which attempt she readily submits,) he may so 
affect her imagination thus operated upon, as to impress to some 
extent the foetus which may soon be conceived under the action 
of a proper bull. Therefore she should be prevented any such 
familiarity with inferior brutes. This, to the common observer, 
may appear absurd; but we will give an instance: Some years 
ago, in the winter season, we had a thorough bred short-horn 
cow, which the herdsman had just let out of the stable with 
other cows to water. She was immediately discovered to be in 
heat. As she was passing through the yard, a villainous black 
scrub of a bull from a neighboring farm, had strayed away, and 
broke into our premises, and at that moment had come into the 
yard. He encountered the cow, and before the herdsman could 
reach them, a hurried coition had taken place. The cow was 
immediately separated from him, put into a small enclosure, and 
a thorough bred bull of her own breed admitted to her, with the 
usual and repeated effect. But it proved of no avail. In due 
time, the cow produced a black-roan bull calf, "steel mixed." 
He turned out a good one, taking more the form of the cow than 
of his sire, and we made a steer of him. The winter in which he 
became a yearling, when running in the yard with some other 
calves, the door of the stable, in which several thorough bred 
short-horn cows were standing, tied in their stalls, was open. 
That calf, in a frolic, ran bounding into the stable. One of the 
cows but a few days previous having received the bull, (a 
thorough bred short-horn,) started in alarm, threw her head on one 
side, saw the calf running by, and gave a loud, sudden bawl. 
It was only an emotion of fright, and in a moment she was over 
it! At the proper time she calved, and that calf, a pure roan 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 221 

short-horn heifer, had one side of its face (the same side which 
its dam in her fright, had thrown around to look at the bounding 
black yearling,) and jaw, back on to her neck, colored the same 
as the calf that caused the fright of its dam, the black hair run- 
ning in a straight line from the middle of her skull down the face 
to the center of her nose, half of which was also black. The fact 
needed no further explanation. We reared the calf. She proved 
a fine cow, and bred us several excellent calves, with no mark 
of anything but a pure short-horn in them. We have heard, 
and seen accounts, of similar accidents in other herds, but differ- 
ing in circumstances, and character. A cow may become so 
infatuated with the presence of a male unable to copulate with 
her, that when admitted to a proper bull, instead of resembling 
him, the foetus takes the impression from the one to which the 
cow had become familiar. She was merely passive, under the 
action of the bull which begot and should have impressed his 
own likeness on her calf. Such instances are not common, but 
they are possible, and of sufficiently frequent occurrence as to 
warn all good cattle breeders to be cautious of the associations 
permitted with their cows. 

) When the cow comes in heat, she should be allowed to see 
the bull fully and deliberately when introduced to him, and apart 
from the company of other cows. A single, or at most a once 

"repeated service is sufficient, and immediately after the service 
she should be confined in her stall, or a small enclosure by her- 
self, until her heat fully passes off. If she be let out immediately 
with other cattle, they only tease, and worry her, to no good, 
but frequently, positive injury. If the calf to be bred is of no 
consequence, only to be made into veal, or destroyed soon after 
birth, this pains with the cow need not be taken ; but when 
cattle of any considerable value are to be reared, the little extra 
labor required should be cheerfully bestowed. 



222 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

In breeding thorough bred cows, some writers contend that if 
the heifer be first bred to an inferior bull, not only her first calf will 
resemble him, but her succeeding calves will resemble him also, 
whatever may be the qualities of their own sires. This supposi- 
tion is based on the principle that the heifer's first impression of 
the bull at coition, are so strong as not to be effaced, and that 
her imagination at the time continued to influence her future 
progeny. It is possible that such may have been the fact in 
some peculiar cases; but they have been very uncommon. We 
have known many instances of cows with their first calves being 
bred to bad bulls, but no known bad result has followed her suc- 
ceeding progeny. It is well, however, to say that none but the 
best bulls should always be used, and any inferiority of blood in 
them strictly avoided. 

In a pamphlet entitled, "On a Remarkable Effect of Cross- 
Breeding: by Alex. Harvey, M. D., Physician and Lecturer in 
the Royal Infirmary, at Aberdeen, Scotland; printed in 1851," 
a work of considerable research, are found, aside from much 
philosophy, and some speculation, some striking facts. We have 
heard some of the facts before ; but as they are important in their 
bearing in the case of cows in connection with breeding, although 
of considerable length, we quote them for the study of those who 
choose to look deeper into the subject than a casual, or slight 
observation will admit. 

There are some rather fine-spun theories suggested, which 
actual investigation will not corroborate, but we give the matter 
as written by its author: 

"There is a circumstance connected with the process of breed- 
ing in the higher classes of animals, which seems to me to merit 
a larger share, than it has yet received, of the attention of the 
Agricultural body. It is this: that a male animal, that has 
once had fruitful connection with a female, may so influence her 
future offspring begotten by other males, as, to a greater or less 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 223 

extent, to engraft upon them his own distinctive features; — his 
influence thus reaching to the subsequent progeny in whose con- 
ception he himself has had no share, — and his image and super- 
scription being, so to speak, more or less legibly inscribed upon 
them. 

"Accordingly, if the female be of a different breed or species 
from that male, and have thus borne a cross or a hybrid by him, 
her subsequent offspring, got by males of the same breed or 
species as herself, may yet have, more or less, the characters of 
a cross or hybrid. 

"It seems not improbable, indeed, that on every occasion of 
fruitful intercourse between a male and a female, some effect 
of this kind is wrought on the breeding powers of the female ; 
but it would appear that the greater effect results from the first 
sexual connection. Whether the effect is absolutely permanent, 
and might show itself in all the offspring which the female is 
capable of subsequently producing, is at present uncertain; but it 
would seem, in some instances at least, to disappear after a time. 

"Of this singular phenomenon, examples will presently be 
given. That it is not less practical in its bearing than singular 
in its character, must be evident to every one. If it be a gen- 
eral fact, — that is to say, a fact having the character of a law of 
nature — it is one obviously of practical application in the breed- 
ing of stock. It will at once appear how important it must be 
that care be taken in the selection of the male, and particularly 
of the first male, in the coupling of animals even of the same 
breed; and, if the preservation of a pure breed be an object of 
regard, that crossing be in every instance religiously eschewed. 
Whether it be a fact of that description, cannot, in the mean- 
time, with any confidence be alleged. At present, the fact itself 
is probably known to comparatively few, and what is known 
regarding it, is deficient both in scientific accuracy and in practi- 
cal value. But the conjecture may be hazarded, that were the 



224 AMERICAN CATTLE, 

subject brought prominently under the notice of breeders, and 
were the communication of illustrative cases solicited by Agricul- 
tural Societies, a large collection of examples, presently known 
only to individuals, and, therefore, lost to science, might be 
obtained, sufficient to exhibit the commonness of the fact, and 
thus enhance its importance in public estimation. 

"The following examples of the phenomenon, and statements 
respecting it, comprise what is presently known to me in regard 
to the facts of the subject. 

" 1. A young chestnut Mare, seven-eighths Arabian, belong- 
ing to the Earl of Morton, was covered in 1815, by a Quagga, 
which is a sort of wild ass, from Africa, and marked somewhat 
after the manner of the Zebra. The mare was served but once 
with the Quagga, and, in due time, gave birth to a hybrid, which 
had distinct marks of the Quagga, in the shape of its head, black 
bars on the shoulders, &c. In 1817, 1818, and 1821, the same 
mare was covered by a very fine black Arabian Horse, and pro- 
duced, successively, three foals, all of which bore unequivocal 
marks of the Quagga.* 

"A mare belonging to Sir Gore Ouseley was covered by a 
Zebra, and gave birth to a hybrid. The year following, the same 
mare was served by a thorough bred horse, and the next suc- 
ceeding year by another horse. Both the foals thus produced 
were striped, that is to say, partook of the characters of the 
Zebra. 

"*The first and the second of these foals are thus described: ' They have the 
character of the Arabian breed as decidedly as can be expected, where fifteen-six- 
teenths of the blood are Arabian : and they are fine specimens of that breed ; but 
both in their color, and in the hair of their manes, they have a striking, resemblance 
to the Quagga. Their color is bay, marked more or less like the Quagga in a darker 
tint. Both are distinguished by the dark line along the ridge of the back, the dark 
stripes across the fore-hand, and the dark bars across the back part of the legs. 
Both their manes are black ; that of the filly is short, stiff, and stands upright ; that 
of the colt is long, but so stiff as to arch upwards, and to hang clear of the sides of 
the neck ; in which circumstance it resembles that of the hybrid. This is the more 
remarkable, as the manes of the Arabian breed hang lank, and closer to the neck 
than those of most others.' " 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 225 

"It was long ago stated by the illustrious Haller, and also by 
Becker, that when a mare had a mule by an Ass, and afterwards 
a foal by a horse, the foal exhibits traces of the ass; a state- 
ment which I find recently confirmed by Professor Low, of 
Edinburgh, in a letter to Sir John S. Forbes, of Pitsligo. 

"In the foregoing cases, the mares were covered in the first 
instance by males of a different species from their own. But 
there are cases recorded of mares covered in every instance by 
horses, but by different horses on different occasions, where the 
subsequent offspring exhibited the characters of the horse by 
which impregnation was first effected. Of this, Mr. M'Gillavray 
gives two examples. Thus, in several foals, in the royal stud at 
Hampton Court, got by the horse Actaeon, there were unequivo- 
cal marks of the horse Colonel, by which the dams of these foals 
were covered the previous year. Again, a colt, the property of 
the Earl of Suffield, got by Laurel, so resembled another horse, 
Camel, 'that it was whispered, nay, even asserted, at New 
Market, that he must have been got by Camel.' It was ascei 
tained, however, that the only relation which the colt bore to 
Camel was, that the latter had served his mother the previous 
season. In farther illustration of this point, I adduce an inter- 
esting statement, made by Professor Low. After remarking that 
'sometimes there is difficulty in getting a thorough bred mare to 
breed for the first time with a thorough bred horse,' and that 'in 
this case, in order to cause her to commence breeding, a coarse 
stallion is put to her,' Professor Low adds, 'but the effect never 
fails to be seen in the progeny, the coarser characters of the first 
male re-appearing, however highly bred the subsequent stallions 
may be.' 

"2. Breeders of cattle are familiar with analogous facts as 
occurring in the Bovine race. The two following cases, taken 
from Mr. M'Grillavray, may serve as examples: A pure Aber- 
deenshire heifer, was served with a pure Teeswater bull, by 
10* 



226 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

which she had a first-cross calf. The following season, the same 
cow was served with a pure Aberdeenshire bull: the produce 
was a cross calf, which, when two years old, had very long horns, 
the parents being both polled. Again, a pure Aberdeenshire 
cow was served, in 1845, with a cross bull, that is to say, an 
animal produced between a first-cross cow and a pure Teeswatcr 
bull. To this bull she had a cross calf. Next season she was 
served with a pure Aberdeenshire bull : the produce was quite a 
cross in shape and color. 

"3. With regard to the Dog, it has often been observed, 
and, indeed, it seems to be matter of notoriety, that a well bred 
bitch, if she have been impregnated by a mongrel dog, will not, 
although lined subsequently by a pure dog, bear thorough bred 
puppies ever after, or at least in the next two or three litters. 
And it appears farther, that the progeny are affected in respect, 
not merely of their shape and color, but of their natural instinct 
also. A pure Terrier bitch, (of the Skye breed,) of a dark brown 
color, with red legs, was lined the first and second time she came 
in season, by one and the self-same dog — a mongrel cur, — and 
produced in the first litter four, and in the second, three puppies, 
all of which took very decidedly after the cur, which was black, 
with red legs and white feet. On the third occasion she was 
lined by a pure dog (of a grey color) of exactly the same breed 
as herself; and, in order that no other might have access to her, 
she was locked up with this dog the whole time her heat lasted. 
The issue was two puppies, both of which bore the closest 
possible resemblance to the cur, in color, shape, and appearance 
generally. 

"4. The like occurrence has been observed in respect to the 
Pig. A sow of the black-and-white breed, (known as Mr. 
Western's breed,) belonging to Mr. Giles, became pregnant by a 
boar of the wild breed, of a deep chestnut color. The pigs pro- 
duced were duly mixed, the color of the boar being in some of 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 227 

them very predominant. The sow being afterwards put to a 
boar of the same breed as her own, some of the progeny were 
observed to be stained, or otherwise marked, with the chestnut 
color that prevailed in the former litter. And, on a subsequent 
impregnation, the boar being still of the same breed as the sow, 
some of the latter were also slightly marked with the chestnut 
color. What gives additional value to this observation, is, that 
in the course of many years' experience, the breed in question 
was never known to produce offspring having the smallest tinge 
of the chestnut color. 

"5. Not the least striking examples, perhaps, of the phenom- 
enon, are the two following, observed in the Sheep ; — the first 
communicated to me by my friend, Dr. William Wells, of the 
island of Grenada — the other by Mr. William M'Combie, Tilly- 
four, in Aberdeenshire: 

"A small flock of ewes, belonging to Dr. Wells, were tupped 
a few years ago by a ram procured for that purpose from the 
manager of a neighboring estate. The ewes were all of them 
white and woolly. The ram was of quite another breed, being 
(besides having other marks of difference,) of a chocolate color, 
and hairy like the goat. The progeny were of course crosses, 
bearing, however, a great resemblance to the male parent. 

"The next season, Dr. Wells procured another ram of precise- 
ly the same breed as the ewes. The progeny of this second 
connection showed distinct marks of resemblance to the former 
ram in color and covering. And the like phenomenon, occurring 
under the like circumstances, was observed in the lambs of some 
other adjoining estates in Grenada, and was the occasion of equal 
surprise and perplexity to the owners of the animals. 

" Six very superior pure bred black-faced horned ewes, the 
property of Mr. Harry Shaw, in the parish of Leochel-Cushnie, 
in Aberdeenshire, were tupped in the autumn of 1844, — some of 
them by a Leicester, i.e., a white-faced and polled ram ? — others 



228 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

of them by a Southdown, i.e., a dun-faced and polled ram. The 
lambs thus begotten were crosses. 

"In the autumn of 1845, the same ewes were tupped by a 
very fine pure black-faced horned ram, i.e., one of exactly the 
same breed as the ewes themselves. To Mr. Shaw's astonish- 
ment, the lambs were all, without exception, polled and brownish 
in the face, instead of being black-faced and horned. 

"In autumn, 1846, the ewes were again served with another 
very superior ram of their own breed. Again the lambs were 
mongrels. They did not, indeed, exhibit so much of the char- 
acters of the Leicester and Southdown breeds, as did the lambs 
of the previous year ; but two of them were polled, and one dun- 
faced, with very small horns, while the other three were white- 
faced, with small round horns only. Mr. Shaw at length parted 
with those fine ewes, without obtaining from them one pure bred 
lamb. 

"To the foregoing examples, I may add two important general 
statements on the subject, made by Mr. M'Gillavray and by Pro- 
fessor Low. The former, after referring to several of the cases 
just given, adds: l Many more instances might be cited, did time 
permit. Among cattle and horses they are of every day occur- 
rence : ' and the latter, after giving the particulars already quoted 
respecting the horse, observes, l many analogous examples could 
be given in the case of other animals.' And I may remark, gen- 
erally, that since my attention was first particularly drawn to the 
subject, inquiry made in various quarters has satisfied me of the 
accuracy of these general allegations. I have not, it is true, 
seen any examples of the sort; but opportunities for doing so 
have not lain in my way. I have learnt, however, that many 
among the Agricultural body in this district are familiar with the 
thing to a degree that is annoying to them ; finding that, after 
breeding crosses, their cows, though served with bulls of the 
same breed, yield crosses still, or rather mongrels. 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 229 

"Now, an ingenious explanation of the phenomenon has 
recently been offered by Mr. M'Gillavray, of Huntly. 'When 
a pure animal of any breed (says Mr. M'Gillavray,) has been 
pregnant to an animal of a different breed, such pregnant animal 
is a cross ever after; the purity of her blood being lost, in conse- 
quence of her connection with the foreign animal;' and again: 
'If a cow, say of the pure Aberdeenshire breed, is in calf to a 
bull of the short-horn breed, (known as the Teeswater breed, ) in 
proportion as this calf partakes of the nature and physical char- 
acters of the bull, just in proportion will the blood of the cow 
become contaminated, and herself a cross, forever incapable of 
producing a pure calf of any breed.' 'It is maintained, there- 
fore, (Mr. M'Gillavray adds,) that the great variety of nonde- 
script animals to be met with, are the result of the crossing 
system; the prevailing evil of which is, the admission of bulls 
of various breeds to the same cow, whereby the blood is com- 
pletely vitiated. 1 

"This theory, of course applies only to that class of animals 
(the mammalia) where the female is provided with a womb, and 
has her offspring lodged there for a time. And in order to the 
better understanding of the theory, attention is requested to the 
following considerations: By the formation of the after-birth 
(placenta,) a connection is established between the mother and 
the living creature (foetus) in her womb, through which the 
latter is continually drawing supplies from the mother's blood, 
for its growth and maintenance. But there are good grounds 
for believing that, through the same channel, the mother is as 
constantly (though, doubtless, in much less quantity) abstracting 
materials from the blood of the foetus. Now, is it all unrea- 
sonable to suppose that the materials in question may be charged 
with (or have inherent in them) the constitutional qualities of the 
foetus, and that, passing into the body of the mother, and mixing 
there with the general mass of her blood, they may impart those 



230 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

qualities to her system? This supposition will, perhaps, appear 
the less improbable, if regard be had to the length of time during 
which the connection between the mother and foetus is kept up, 
and during which this transference of materials must go on — a 
period of some weeks, or even of several months. But the qual- 
ities referred to must in part be derived by the foetus from its 
male parent, and be to that extent identical with his. The dis- 
tinctive peculiarities, therefore, of this parent may thus come to 
be engrafted on the mother, or to attach in some way to her 
system; and if so, what more likely than that they should be 
communicated by her to any offspring she may afterwards have 
by other males? 

"The influence thus supposed to be exerted by the male par- 
ent, through or by means of the foetus, on the constitution and 
on the breeding powers of the female, may appropriately be 
designated inoculation influence. To go more largely, however, 
into this part of the subject, were beside our present purpose, 
and would involve details, perhaps fully intelligible only to the 
professed physiologist. But it is due to Mr. M'Grillavray, to 
state, that his theory not only furnishes a satisfactory explanation 
of the phenomenon, but is consistent with acknowledged facts 
in physiology, and is borne out to a greater extent than he was 
perhaps aware, by the known history of blood diseases. 

" In a practical point of view, however, it is quite immaterial 
whether this theory gives the true explanation of the phenome- 
non or not. All that is to prove and be assured of is, that the 
phenomenon is exclusively referable to something corporeal (that 
is, material or organic) connected with the prior impregnation of 
the female. And were this indubitably certain, all that need be 
sought after in a practical inquiry into the suoject is, to observe 
accurately the appearances presented by the animals produced in 
the subsequent connections of the female with other males — to 
note the degree of resemblance which obtains to the first or ;o 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 231 

a former male — to ascertain, out of any given number of cases, 
in what proportion this effect is observed — and, generally, when 
it is observed, to determine the circumstances under which it 
holds, as also those under which it varies in different classes of 
animals, or in different individuals of the same class." 

[Note. — We consider this theory of the "vitiation of the 
blood" of the mother, by her blood connection with the foetus 
in her womb, stated by Mr. M'Gillavray, as altogether too 
"ingenious" and finely drawn. The "theory," however, has 
had an existence, to more or less extent, among the popular 
uneducated mind, perhaps from time immemorial. In our own 
boyhood, more than fifty years ago, when there was a great rage 
for introducing the blood of the Spanish Merino Sheep into the 
flocks of the Eastern States, some farmers indulged the fancy 
that if their coarse common ewes could be tupped by a Merino 
ram, not only would the lamb be of half the Merino blood, but 
the ewe herself partake of such proportion of his blood also, so 
as to cause her future offspring, by whatever ram she might be 
connected, to retain a share of the Merino! How such an 
absurdity should obtain credence we know not, otherwise than 
by the same influence which created ghosts, spooks and witches. 

The foetus is enclosed in a case [placenta) within the womb, 
and receives its nourishment only through the peculiar organs 
of the mother, which are in play during its location there. 
That process is an extraordinary function of the female, active 
only during pregnancy, and in no way common with her ordinary 
habits. The theory would make the foetus, in the circulation of 
its blood back into the system of the mother, a part of her own 
organization, whereas, the foetus is only an offshoot of her sys- 
tem, nourished by a peculiar internal process, or secretion, like 
the milk she gives for its support after birth. 

If the blood of the foetus circulated, or were returned into the 
veins of the mother, the foetus would be a part of herself, instead 



232 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

of an offshoot. Its birth would be a wrenching out of a part of 
her internal system, instead of relieving her of an increasing 
burthen which is in itself complete, and wholly separated from 
her own being, so far as the ordinary functions of life and cir- 
culation are concerned. 

Our author, Dr. Harvey, has also mentioned several instances 
in the human family, where children of a second husband have 
strongly resembled the children of his wife by a previous hus- 
band, or some male friend with whom she had only been on 
terms of social intimacy. That may be, but we ascribe it wholly 
to imagination, or sympathy of the mother with the memory of 
the first one. He also speaks of white mothers, who, having 
their first child by a man of another race, as a Negro, Moor, or 
Mongolian, and afterwards bearing children to men of their own 
race, the children resembled more or less the fathers of their first 
born. That may be so, owing to the same influences as in the 
other cases; but they are too few and isolated to make a rule. 
We, ourself, have known cases where white women had their 
first child by a negro, and were afterwards married to white men, 
but their children were as purely white as any others. 

We consider the theory as entirely fanciful, so far as humanity 
is concerned, where the imagination has vastly more play than 
in the brute creation; and in the latter, so extreme and wide 
apart in its examples from the ordinary product of their species, 
as to be classed among the occasional monstrosities which occur 
in the conception and breeding of all animated beings. — L. F. A.] 

Again Doctor Harvey : 

"But it so happens that a phenomenon precisely similar to 
the one before us — so like it, at least as not to be distinguishable 
from it — is sometimes seen under very different circumstances. 
An animal (for example,) is sometimes observed to present the 
same sort of resemblance to another animal, with which its mother 
has never, at any time, had sexual connection, — a circumstance 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 233 

ascribed, and (in many such cases,) on good grounds, to some 
state of the mother's mind, having a relation to that other ani- 
mal, at or some time before the period of conception, or during 
her pregnancy. It is conceivable, therefore, that in many cases, 
— nay in every case, where an animal resembles another (not its 
progenitor,) by which its mother had formerly borne offspring, — 
that is to say, in the whole set of cases which form the subject 
of these pages, — the resemblance may be explained quite as well 
on the principle of mental influence, as on that of inoculation; 
or, at least, that in ascribing it, with Mr. M'Gillavray, to the latter 
cause, — or to any purely corporeal cause arising out of the prior 
sexual intercourse, a manifest source of fallacy attaches to the 
assumption. The phenomenon may really be resolvable, in any, 
and in every instance, into an affair of the mother's mind. 

"The possibility, therefore, that mentalmQu.en.ee may furnish 
the true explanation of the phenomenon, at once raises a ques- 
tion which bears so directly on the present subject, as to demand 
consideration in connection with it. To consider it fully, how- 
ever, at this stage, would keep the test to be proposed for its 
solution too long out of view. I shall, therefore, here content 
myself with one example in illustration of this kind of influence. 
"A mare and a horse (a gelding) had, for some years, worked 
together on the same farm, occupied adjacent stalls in the same 
stable, and pastured together in summer in the same fields. The 
gelding was of a black color, with white legs and face, and had a 
singular peculiarity in the form of the hind legs, which, when 
the animal was standing, appeared quite straight, there being no 
appearance of the leg being bent at the hough-joint, as in ordi- 
nary cases; the pasterns, likewise, were very long, so as to cause 
the feet to look as if placed almost at right angles to the legs 
After having been some years thus associated with this gelding, 
the mare was covered with a stallion of the same color as her- 
self — both stallion and mare being of a bay color, with black legs 



234 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

and a small spot of white only, on the forehead. The foal which 
was the produce of this connection, very exactly resembled the 
gelding in color and in shape, and very remarkably in the shape 
of the hind legs, as above described.* 

"The striking feature of this case, besides the circumstance 
that there could have been no sexual connection between the 
mare and the gelding, is, that the resemblance of the foal to the 
gelding was at once general, and yet extended to a marked pecu- 
liarity of conformation; thus identifying the resemblance with 
something having a relation to that particular horse. This rela- 
tion could be no other than a mental one, on the part of the 
mother, arising out of her association with the horse. But had 
this horse been a stallion, and had he previously had fruitful 
intercourse with the mare, the resemblance might very fairly 
have been attributed to something material connected therewith. 

"It is clearly important, then, in regard to the proper subject 
of this essay, to guard against a fallacy of this kind." 

"It appears that many breeders of stock are impressed with 
the belief, that certain colors present to the eye of the parent 
animals, and particularly of the female, at the time and in the act 
of their being coupled together, — and to the eye of the female, 
both before and during her pregnancy, influence the color of the 
progeny; and that they make this belief a practical principle of 
action in the breeding of their stock, in order either to prevent 
or to secure the admixture of any particular color in the offspring, 
different from that of the parent animals. 'We know,' says an 
anonymous writer, 'a great breeder of pure Angus stock (black 
polled breed ; ) who makes it a rule to have every animal about 
his farm of a black color, down to the very poultry.' And an 



"* Communicated to the author by Dr. John R. Trail, of Monymusk, Aberdeen- 
shire. ' From the description I have attempted to give you, (Dr. Trail writes me,) 
you could not form any very distinct idea of the peculiar conformation of the geld- 
ing ; but the resemblance of the foal to him was remarkably clear.' " 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 235 

eminent breeder of the same kind of stock in this county, informs 
me, that he extends this rule to the steadings in which his cattle 
are kept. 

"To illustrate generally the grounds of this belief and prac 
tice, the following cases may be cited : 

"A black polled Angus cow, belonging to Mr. Mustard, a 
farmer in Forfarshire, came into season while pasturing in a field 
bounded by that of a neighboring farmer. Out of this field 
there jumped into the other field an ox, of a white color, with 
black spots, and horned, which went with the cow till she was 
brought to the bull — an animal of the same color and breed as 
herself. Mr. Mustard -had not a horned animal in his possession, 
nor any with the least white on it; and yet the produce of this 
(black and polled) cow and bull was a black and white calf, with 
horns. 

"In 1849, twenty cows of the black polled Angus breed — 
belonging to Mr. William M'Combie, in this county, and whose 
stock is perhaps the finest in the kingdom — produced as many 
calves, all of them black and polled, except one single calf, which 
was yellow and white spotted. Mr. M'Combie had, as usual 
with him, taken the precaution of causing the cows, both before 
and during their pregnancy, to mix with none save perfectly 
black cattle, except in respect of the mother of this calf, which 
cow had unwittingly been put to an out-farm, to be starved, in 
order to fit her for the bull. There, for a considerable period 
prior to her being served with the bull, she had grazed with a 
large yellozo and white spotted ox, of which ox the calf she sub- 
sequently bore was the very picture — the likeness, however, 
extending no farther than to the color, and the calf still retain- 
ing the shape and configuration of its parents, which were both 
of the same breed and color. 

"Out of a large herd of cows, of the pure Teeswater breed, 
all of them of the brown or roan color, (belonging to Mr. Cruick* 



236 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

shank, Sittyton, near Aberdeen,) there is every year dropped 
one, or at most two, white calves, which, in order to prevent the 
introduction of this color among the cattle, are invariably sold, 
and sent away. In 1849, however, concurrently with the white- 
washing of all the farm-steadings, the very large number of 
twelve white calves were produced. And the like occurrence 
happened the same year also, in the herd of an extensive breeder 
of the same kind of stock, in Yorkshire, in connection with the 
like process of white-washing — this process having, in both 
cases, been very extensively carried out before the breeding 
season began, with the view of preventing the breaking out of 
the pleuro-pneumonia, then epidemic in the neighborhood, and 
very destructive.* 

"At the time when a stallion was about to cover a mare, the 
stallion's pale color was objected to, whereupon the groom, know- 
ing the effect of color upon horses' imaginations, presented before 
the stallion a mare, of a pleasing color, which had the desired 
effect of determining a dark color in the offspring. This is said 
to have been repeated with success in the same horse more than 
once 

" ! was told (Mr. M'Combie writes me,) by an old servant of 
mine, Morrice Smith, that when he was a servant in the parish 
of Glass, (Aberdeenshire,) a black bull served a black cow at the 
time when a white mare passed them, and that the produce was 
twin white calves. There were no white cattle upon the farm 
where this occurrence happened. f 



" * Communica^d by Mr. Cruickshank, who says further, that he has had too 
many proofs of the agency of the cause in question, to allow him entertaining any 
doubt on the subject." 

"tMy friend, Dr. J. M. Duncan, of Edinburgh, writes me that he has ' more than 
once heard farm-servants say, that it is a sure plan to get a white foal, to hang up a 
pure white sheet before the mare when she conceives.' Probably hanging up such 
a sheet in the stable during the whole period of pregnancy would be equally 
effectual." 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 237 

" Such cases as several of those now cited, can scarcely fail to 
recall to the reader's mind the story, given in the book of Gene- 
sis, of Jacob and his peeled rods, and the effect of these in 
causing the flocks, before whom they were placed at the time of 
conception, to bring forth ring-streaked, speckled, and spotted 
cattle. 

"It does not appear from the sacred narrative whether the 
influence of the rods was exerted on the minds both of the male 
and female cattle, or confined to those of the female. 

"All that need be said, in the way of direct inference from 
the facts here brought together, may be comprised within a nar- 
row compass. 

"Supposing the statements respecting them to be authentic — 
and no question, I apprehend, as to this can well be raised — the 
cases are nearly unequivocal. The only fallacy that can attach 
to them, is that arising from the possibility, that the peculiarities 
in the progeny were either purely accidental, or owing to corres- 
ponding qualities latent in the parents, but breaking out in the 
offspring. The relation, however, in most of the cases, between 
the peculiarities in question and their presumed causes, is too 
close and of too special a character to admit of either supposi- 
tion. "We are, therefore, well entitled, I think, to regard the 
greater number, if not the whole of them, as examples of mental 
causes, so operating either on the mind of the female, and so 
acting on her reproductive powers, or on the mind of the male 
parent, and so influencing the qualities of his semen, as to modify 
the nutrition and development of the offspring. 

"How, in respect of the female, this influence is exerted, and 
what the conditions of its action, it is not easy to determine. 
The mental affections seem to have been in most of the cases, 
and were probably in all of them, of a strong and enduring kind ; 
and we can easily conceive this to have been essential to the 
result. That the alteration in the growth of the foetus was 



238 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

determined solely, as is vulgarly supposed, by the images in the 
mind of the mother, i.e., by the mere sensations and perceptions 
therein produced, independently of the emotions excited by 
them — cannot well be supposed. It is, doubtless, to this 'com- 
pound state 1 of mind — to use an expression of Sir James Mack- 
intosh — a state 'easily called to mind,' in consequence of the 
vividness of its first impression, 'frequently recurring,' and 
'warmly felt,' that we must ascribe the effect. 

"It is not unlikely, that this particular agency of the mind is 
more frequently exerted in the females of the lower animals, 
than in those of our own species; and that cases exemplifying it, 
are oftener met with in the brutes than in man v If this be so, a 
reasonable explanation of the fact may be given. We know 
that the minds of the lower animals are in a great measure 
limited to particulars, and these few in number, and almost 
exclusively external objects of sense; that the external senses 
are more perfect in them than in us ; and that the perceptions 
resulting from their exercise seem, in various instances, to follow 
more surely and more quickly — to be more intuitive and wider 
in their scope, and more vivid — in them than in man; and that 
the simpler emotions (excited by those perceptions) of joy, fear, 
affection, anger, &c, of which they are manifestly susceptible, 
seem often to be peculiarly strong. We know also that they 
possess the faculty of memory; and we may well suppose, from 
their limited range of association, (or suggestion,) that sensations 
that formerly made a powerful impression on their minds, will be 
more easily and oftener recalled in them than in us, who, though 
more apt to be 'troubled about many things,' are proportionally 
less apt to be affected, or at least permanently or continuously 
impressed, by any one thing. These circumstances and pecu- 
liarities of mental action, must obviously be singularly favorable 
to the production of the results in question. 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 239 

"It may be remarked in conclusion, that the word imagination, 
generally used to designate the mental states here concerned, is, 
perhaps, an unfortunate one; and it may be questioned whether 
much of the scepticism prevalent among physiologists as to the 
effects, or alleged effects, on the development of the foetus, of 
certain complex mental affections, be not, in great part, owing to 
the use of that term. Certain mental conceptions or ideas, sug- 
gested to the mind, independently of any present or actual 
external object, and exciting strong and enduring emotions, con- 
stitute that state of mind, to denote which, imagination is used 
here. Often, however, it is used to denote the power by which 
the mind forms to itself pictures which have, in such a combina- 
tion, no prototypes in nature — the power of creative or poetical 
imagination, which, manifestly, is not possessed by the brutes. 
The state referred to here, that of simple imagination, is one 
compounded only of simple conception and emotion." 

[Note. — The reader may, perhaps, tire of this long, and some- 
what philosophical, as well as speculative essay; but, in the 
breeding of valuable stock, we wish to give all the information 
which may instruct us in so important a branch of physiology. 

In addition to the several instances already narrated of the 
influence on color of progeny in the course of gestation, Captain 
Charles Bryant, of Fairhaven, Mass., recently related to us an 
instance. A gentleman, residing in that vicinity, owning an island 
in Buzzard's Bay, some miles off the coast, one summer sent a 
considerable number of black cows, which were in calf to a 
black bull, over there to graze, wishing to keep them by them- 
selves, and breed calves of the same color. A dun-colored steer 
was either sent with them, or a short time afterwards, and ranged 
in their company all summer. When the calves were dropped, 
every one of them was the color of the steer I So strangely will 
influences, almost unaccountable, determine results adverse to 
the most natural probabilities. — L. F. A.] 



240 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

"The subject of mental influence has been here considered 
without reference to any inquiry into the specialities of its opera- 
tion. But were such an inquiry to be entered on, it would be 
proper to make such experiments as should exhibit how far the 
influence in question may operate — first, at any time prior to the 
period of sexual connection, — secondly, at the time of such con- 
nection, — and thirdly, during pregnancy. The modes of devising 
and conducting experiments of this kind, will readily suggest 
themselves to any one conversant in these matters." 

OCCASIONAL BARRENNESS IN THE COW. 

It sometimes occurs that heifers, or cows which have been 
kept in high condition, do not readily conceive, although they 
come regularly in heat at the proper times, and are properly 
served by the bull. If they continue refractory, the better way 
is to reduce their flesh by low keep, and plenty of exercise. 
Turning them into short pasture, is the best way during the 
grazing season, and short keep in winter may reduce them. 
They seldom fail to breed under such treatment. If they still 
prove unfruitful, a drenching dose of mild physic is advisable, (as 
glauber salts,) which is usually effective, and harmless. Some- 
times, after receiving the bull, they will pass weeks, or months, 
without showing signs of heat, and then seek him as before, 
without any signs, meantime, of abortion. This however, is 
seldom the case, unless the cow, or heifer, be in high condition. 
To make sure and constant breeders, it is a better course to keep 
them only in good flesh, without forcing. They are uniformly 
healthier under such treatment, as n is a more natural condition, 
and the calves are better than from over-fed, or highly pam- 
pered cows. 

Barrenness in high bred cows, is a serious matter to the owner, 
or breeder. With common, or grade cows it is of less conse- 
quence, as the unfertile ones can be readily turned oft* for beef 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 24 I 

But with a thorough bred cow, worth perhaps, $500 or $1,000, 
the case is different, and if the cause of Jj ran he in any way 
overcome, the remedy should be resorted to. In addition to the 
few remarks we have made, we consider the subject of sufficient 
importance to introduce a part of a recent discourse on "The 
Reproductive Powers of Domestic Animals : by Henry Tanner, 
Professor of Rural Economy in the Queen's College, Birming- 
ham;" from the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society, 
England : 

"An enfeebled condition of the breeding organs is one of the 
first sources of trouble for the breeder. It seldom precedes, but 
often accompanies, that delicacy of constitution to which refer- 
ence has been made. Instead of the females breeding in a 
regular manner, we find them come into season, again and again, 
after most irregular intervals. This results from one of the fol- 
lowing causes : either the female does not become impregnated, 
or else the embryo is imperfectly developed. The non-impreg- 
nation of the female, may generally be traced to an excessive 
fatness in one or both animals, and an absence of constitutional 
vigor. The breeding powers are most energetic when the 
animals are in moderate condition, uninfluenced either by ex- 
treme fatness or leanness. The impregnation of the female is 
in some cases prevented by natural defect or malformation ; but 
I am strongly inclined to believe that such cases are compara- 
tively rare. 

"Many animals are condemned as barren which are only tem- 
porarily so, in consequence of injudicious feeding and manage- 
ment, or relatively so, in consequence of the male being unsuited, 
from too close proximity of blood, or from both animals being 
deficient in constitutional vigor. Examples of each of these 
cases are frequent. Some very well bred heifers which had been 
condemned as barren, because, after very persevering tria^ with 
various bulls, they failed to breed, I placed for four or five 
11 



242 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

months upon poor hilly pastrire, to bring them down in condition, 
and immediately after this they bred without difficulty. Captain 
J. T. Davy has communicated to me some similar instances, in 
which most hopeless cases of barrenness were overcome, by 
turning the heifers upon poor common land with a young bull. 
He states that in other cases the same result had been attained 
by working the heifers in the plow, like oxen, after which there 
has been no trouble in getting them to breed. I am also informed 
by Mr. Strafford, of another instance, in which apparent sterility 
has been successfully overcome. The late Mr. Jonas Webb, 
purchased a valuable cow from the herd of the late Lord Spencer, 
for a moderate sum of money, in consequence of her being con- 
demned as barren. 

"After the purchase, she was driven from Wiseton to Babra- 
ham, (her old home to her new one,) a distance of between one 
hundred and one hundred and twenty miles, and within a short 
time she bred. 'Dodona,' the cow in question, when a heifer, 
produced twin calves, and subsequently she produced another 
calf, but, as she then ceased to breed, she was sold. A change 
of climate, however, brought her into breeding condition, and at 
the time of her decease, no less than one hundred and sixty valu- 
able animals could be traced to this cow, which had been sold on 
two occasions as barren. Mr. Webb had an almost parallel case 
in 'Celia,' which, under somewhat similar treatment, after being 
condemned as barren, had a progeny of over one hundred and 
eighty traced to her at the time of her death. 

u These results were all gained by somewhat severe treatment, 
whereby unhealthy accumulations of fatty matter, previously 
existing in the body, impeding generation, were taken up into 
the system for the support of life. I have known cases in which 
heifers which could not breed were exercised daily, by being led 
about for a certain length of time ; but this treatment is seldom 
sufficient to reduce those accumulations which impede gener- 
ation. 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 243 

"Highly satisfactory results have been gained by a thorough 
change of climate, when the stock were sent to hilly districts 
where the air is bracing, and they have to take plenty of exer- 
cise. Barrenness may also be traced to too close relationship, or 
a similarity of temperament. This is, however, a qualified bar- 
renness, to be overcome by proper selection on the part of the 
breeder. The fat condition of the male animal, and his want 
of constitutional vigor, are frequently the chief causes of diffi- 
culty. I have known of bulls, which had become valueless for 
breeding purposes, being worked upon the land in carts, and 
thereby rendered serviceable. 

"I believe that we have the condition of successful reproduc- 
tion, very much under our own control, and that the cases of 
legitimate barrenness, either on the part of the male or female, 
are much more rare than we imagine. I know that animals 
which are naturally capable of breeding, can be rendered incom- 
petent by adopting a special course of treatment; and I consider 
that in our usual system of management, we must retard and 
interfere with the healthy performance of this natural function 
of animal life. 

"For the purpose of more fully investigating the causes of 
barrenness, I have examined the ovaries of several heifers, which 
were, after careful trial, condemned and killed as barren; and I 
have every reason to believe that by far the larger proportion, 
were naturally quite competent for breeding, and that in the 
majority of cases, non-impregnation arose from the seminal fluid 
never reaching the ovum, which was ready for fertilization, or 
from that fluid not being of a healthy character. In some cases 
in which the ova were, to all appearance, perfectly healthy, the 
tubes — whereby the seminal fluid should have been conveyed — 
were so overcharged with fatty matter, that impregnation was 
rendered impossible. In other cases, the ovaries were in an 
unhealthy condition, either one or both having, to a great extent, 



244 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

wasted away. Sometimes one of the ovaries had been suffering 
from atrophy, and the other in such an irritable and sensitive 
condition, that it might be almost described as inflamed; and 
under such circumstances, the formation of a healthy ovum could 
scarcely be expected. In other instances, the ovaries had become 
considerably enlarged, in consequence of a fatty degeneration of 
these organs having taken place. I have not sufficient data 
before me, to trace these several results to their respective causes, 
except in some of those cases in which a fatty degeneration of 
the ovaries had taken place. 

"Through the kind help of Mr. Reece, of Ross, and Mr. Thos. 
Duckham, of Baysham Court, near Hereford, this fatty degener- 
ation of the ovaries has been traced to the use of food rich in 
sugar. I have every reason to believe that the action of sugar, 
in its various forms, is most important in its influence upon the 
generative system; and I think there is just cause for consider- 
ing that any animal may, by its use, be rendered incompetent 
for propagating its species. Since my attention has been drawn 
to this fact, numerous instances have come under my observa- 
tion, tending to confirm this opinion. From among the cases 
which I could mention, it will probably be sufficient for me to 
state that of a breeder of some eminence, who, with a view to 
an improvement in the condition of his herd, added molasses 
to the dry food he gave to his stock. It certainly produced 
the result he anticipated, for their improvement in appearance 
and general condition was most satisfactory; but this was 
accompanied by an influence he had never expected; for his 
stock, which had always realized high prices as breeding 
stock, now, with very few exceptions, proved to be valueless 
for that object, male and female being alike sterile. As soon as 
this was discovered, the supply of molasses was stopped. But 
whilst the animals, which had not been under its influence, 
maintained the original character of the herd, as being good 



TREATMENT OP BREEDING COWS. 245 

breeding stock, it is very doubtful if any of the stock which had 
been fed for any length of time on food mixed with molasses, 
ever regained their breeding powers. It is more than probable 
that a fatty degeneration of the ovaries took place, from which 
they would but slowly recover under any ordinary treatment. 

"In another case, in which molasses had been used for some 
heifers which were fattening, it had the effect of suppressing 
those periodical returns of restlessness which prevent heifers 
feeding as well as steers ; and it kept them so steadily progress- 
ing during the whole period of their fattening, that the result 
was highly satisfactory. If, therefore, upon further trial, we 
find sugar influential in checking the reproductive functions, we 
can at any rate exercise a proper discretion in its use; and 
whilst avoiding it for breeding animals, we may encourage its 
employment where cows or heifers have to be fattened. 

"The action of sugar upon the human system is very similar. 
The negroes in the sugar plantations are said to lose all power 
of reproduction during the sugar harvest, and are permanently 
influenced, although in a lesser degree, by the juice of the cane, 
which they are so fond of chewing; there is also reason to 
believe that the negroes have become relatively more productive 
with the diminished growth of sugar.* 

"Until my attention had been drawn to this action of sugar 
upon the reproductive powers, I was not aware that its influence 
had been previously acknowledged ; but I find that this has been 
observed by continental physiologists, of whom it will be suffi- 
cient to mention Moleschott and Proreucal. 

"It would be premature for me to attempt any explanation 
of the manner in which sugar exerts this powerful influence 
upon the animal system. We shall probably find that it has a 
twofold action; it may not only produce a fatty degeneration of 

* This information probably relates to the British West India Islands, as we have 
never heard of any such influences among the laborers of the sugar plantations of 
the United States.— L. F. A. 



246 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

the ovaries in the female, but by the glandular excitement it 
causes, it may also favor a re-absorption of the seminal fluid of 
the male, and thereby the desire for breeding be diminished, if 
not finally destroyed. That sugar has a powerful influence upon 
the reproductive powers, scarcely admits of a doubt; but it is 
more important that we should be more fully acquainted with 
its action. 

"We shall, however, find that other agencies produce a some- 
what similar tendency to fatty degeneration, if not in the 
ovaries, at least in the surrounding parts, whereby the healthy 
ova of females fail to be fertilized in a natural manner ; or when 
they have been fertilized, they are, from the same cause, subse- 
quently aborted. It is also probable, that in some cases, in 
whicli the female possesses healthy ovaries, and yet, in conse- 
quence of the defective powers of the male, fails to breed, a very 
unnatural excitement takes place in her, that induces an irrita- 
bility which is fatal to impregnation. In these, and similar 
cases, the removal of the clitoris of the vulva (as spoken of by 
Mr. E. Bowley, of Siddington, in Vol. 19 of this Society's 
Journal, page 151,) would allay this excitement, and thereby 
favor successful breeding. This is, however, a practice which 
few would be disposed to recommend; and Mr. Bowley rather 
mentions the fact of the operation than advises its adoption. 

"The moderate use of salt is also stated to have a powerful 
effect upon the breeding powers of animals. Moleschott states 
that the favorable effect of common salt upon the formation of 
blood, and upon nutrition, also produces an influence upon sexual 
life. Boussingault found that bulls, which in their food receive a 
large addition of common salt, show a greater inclination to 
cover; and Ronlin states that the females of our domestic ani- 
mals, are rendered less productive by want of salt. 

"No evidence as to this action of salt, has come under my 
own observation, still I think it probable that we shall find the 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 247 

more general use of salt very important and beneficial in its 
action upon breeding stock. When salt is used for any animal 
producing milk, care must be exercised not to allow it to be 
taken in such quantity as to check the production of milk; for 
a free supply would speedily stop this secretion. 

"The general system of diet must also be looked upon, as 
taking its share in influencing the reproductive functions. When 
the fall of rain has been small, and the herbage more than 
usually parched, we find unusual difficulty in getting ordinary 
farm stock to breed. A dry dietary is very unfavorable for 
breeding animals, and very much retards successful impregnation. 
On the other hand, rich, juicy and succulent vegetation, is very 
generally favorable to breeding. Apart, therefore, from the 
direct influence of the food given, it is certain that the condition 
in which it is consumed, materially influences the breeding powers 
of stock. 

"Little is as yet aefinitely known as to the comparative influ- 
ence of different kinds of food upon breeding animals; but the 
information we possess, leads us to desire further evidence.' 

"We know that the healthy semen of male animals, with few 
(if any) exceptions, contains a large proportion of albuminous 
matter, in the form of vitellin and albuminate of soda; and it 
follows, as a natural consequence, that unless these bodies are 
present in the food, although they may fo a time be supplied by 
exhausting the animal system, still, his career cannot long be 
maintained without prejudice to the animal, and disappointment 
to the breeder. 

"The presence of phosphorus is also essential; and it has been 
observed that food rich in phosphorus, such as the leguminous 
seeds,* hay, grass, corn fodder, &c, are especially valuable in 
promoting the fertility of breeding animals. 

* Indian corn, oil cake, and all oily grains are " fatty." Peas, oats, barley, rye and 
ouckwheat, are more albuminous, producing muscle, and lean flesh.— L. F. A. 



24S AMERICAN CATTLE. 

"It may also be stated that though a moderate supply of fatty 
matter is desirable in the food, still, it should be limited, so as to 
prevent any unhealthy accumulations of fat in or about the 
breeding organs ; and it should always be accompanied by food 
rich in albuminous matter. 

"The influence of climate upon the health of our domesticated 
animals, has never received that attention which it merits. I have 
already made some reference to the effect of a change of climate 
upon the breeding powers, and I may add, that the beneficial 
influence extends both to male and female. The results which 
have attended the importation of English stock, which had been 
exported to other climates, or their immediate descendants, show 
that considerable advantage is often realized in this manner, and 
the practice is probably capable of extension. It is, however, 
well worthy of an inquiry, whether we do not possess in our 
country sufficient variation of climate and district, to accomplish 
the desired results at less cost. There is undoubted evidence 
to show that we may thus engraft upon our stock greater consti- 
tutional strength. 

"The formation of milk is intimately connected with the repro- 
ductive powers. The secretion of milk is dependent upon the 
activity of the mammary glands; and these are either under the 
direct influence of the breeding organs, or else they sympathize 
very closely with them. Those animals which breed with the 
least difficulty, yield the best supplies of milk, and produce the 
most healthy and vigorous offspring. Now, it must be admitted, 
that however much we have improved the symmetry and feeding 
power of stock, we have suffered them to deteriorate in value as 
breeding animals, by the decrease of their milking capabilities 
In proportion as we adopt a more natural system of manage 
ment, for the purpose of keeping stock in a healthy and vigorous 
breeding condition, so shall we reap the indirect benefit of a 
better supply of milk. It is true, that a deficiency in the yield 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 249 

of milk may be met by other resources, but since a short supply 
of milk is indicative of, and associated with, enfeebled breeding 
powers, every care should be taken to obviate this defect. 

"There are few subjects connected with agricultural literature, 
which offer such a scope for inquiry and research, as that which 
I have now discussed; for whether we look upon the repro- 
ductive powers of domesticated animals, from a practical point 
of view, or a scientific inquiry, we have very strong inducements 
to investigate the subject more completely. The very circum- 
stances under which barrenness can be produced or removed; 
the influence of various kinds of food upon the breeding capa- 
bilities, and also upon the production of milk; the circumstances 
which favor or check abortion; the conditions which regulate 
the sex of the offspring — these, and many kindred subjects, 
demand careful consideration." 

In corroboration of the foregoing remarks on the effect of 
sweet foods inducing barrenness in breeding animals, we give a 
note from Mr. E. "W. Stewart, on the subject. It is proper to 
say, that at the time of his writing it, Mr. S. had not seen the 
paper of Professor Tanner. 

" My attention has lately been particularly turned to the chem- 
ical qualities of foods, and to determining how a practical appli- 
cation may be made, to the feeding of animals. 

"I find there has been much chemical research which has 
never been applied. Some three years ago, while my Sorghum 
cane was being manufactured into syrup, the skimmings were 
given to the cows, and drank with great relish. One cow was 
so greedy for the sweet scum, and indulged to such an extent, 
that she was barren for a year. I have seen since, a number of 
cases mentioned, where the breeding qualities of animals have 
been injured or destroyed by a free use of sweet — the females 
barren and the males impotent — but no explanation of the phe- 
nomena. It occurred to me that chemistry should furnish the 
11* 



250 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

explanation, and I was confident that some author must have 
discussed the point, but I could find no direct allusion to it. 
Still, there are abundant facts from which to draw a conclusion. 
All the animal tissues contain, as an essential element, nitrogen. 
Sugar, fat, starch and water, are non-nitrogenized components of 
the animal body, but are not organized or living substances. 

"It is only the muscular and nervous systems that have sen- 
sation. The semen of male, and the ova of female animals, are 
albuminous or nitrogenous fluids, containing, besides soda and 
phosphate of lime, all the essential elements of the young ani- 
mal. It is held, by some of the greatest animal chemists, that 
'nitrogenized foods alone nourish the tissues.' It is not difficult, 
then, from these premises, to infer the reason that too carbona- 
do us food, such as sugar, should, when fed in large quantities, 
render the female animal barren, and the male impotent. And 
yet chemists have not applied these facts. It will readily be 
seen, to what an important account this may be turned by the 
breeder of animals. In raising heifers and bulls, for instance, 
how important it is to give them a thorough muscular develop- 
ment; and to this end, glutinous or albuminous food should be 
given. There has, in fact, been very little intelligent feeding 
with cattle breeders. They have fed what was most convenient, 
without tasking their brains with the question of food elements, 
and how best to combine them." 

FEEDING IN ADVANCED STAGES OF PREGNANCY. 

As the cow approaches maternity, she should be well kept. If 
the climate demands it, she should have good shelter, and warm 
beds. If she has become reduced by scant feed, or profuse milk- 
ing, she should have additional feed while running dry, in order 
to promote the growth of the foetus within her, and prepare her 
better for the labor of parturition, as well as the sustenance 
of the coming calf, and a good flow of milk afterwards. No 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 251 

cow should give milk from the birth of one calf to that of 
another. It is too heavy a draft on her physical powers, and a 
period of six weeks to three months' rest from milking is neces- 
sary, when the breeding of choice animals is an object. Some 
cows, we know, will yield their milk naturally from the birth of 
one calf to that of another, but it wears on them, and an abund- 
ance of the best food is necessary to keep them up through so 
exhausting a process. 

A cow cannot well perform two such important duties at a 
time, as to give a profitable yield of milk, and mature, in the last 
stages of growth, a healthy, well developed foetus. The milk 
must be drawn at the expense of the coming calf. When the 
calf is of no importance, and milk the only thing wanted in the 
cow, her flow of it may be continued, by stimulating food, up to 
six weeks, or even a shorter time, of her period of bringing forth, 
but in any event, some time should be allowed her for rest. As 
the birth of the calf approaches, she should be kept quiet, have 
gentle exercise, and be carefully looked after daily. Her udder, 
for a few days in advance, should be watched and examined, 
that it be not "caked" or inflamed, or secrete more milk than 
may be retained in a healthy condition. Some young cows or 
heifers secrete milk in such quantity, in advance, that it is neces 
sary to draw it from them for some days before calving, to 
prevent the udder from spoiling by inflammation. When parturi- 
tion is immediately expected, she should, according to the season, 
be confined in a loose box stall in the stable, or under a shed, or 
in a small outside enclosure, where she may be readily seen and 
attended to in case of accident or difficulty, as such are liable to 
occur frequently with heifers in their first calf, and sometimes 
afterwards. The chances of difficulty are certainly worth the 
little extra attention required. The immediate duties attending 
parturition will be hereafter noticed under the proper head. 
That process once completed, the udder should be thoroughly 



252 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

drawn by the calf, and completed to perfect emptiness by the 
hand of the attendant. 

It is of the first importance in the rearing of good stock, that 
the cow be always kept in good condition — not pampered, and 
fat, on stimulating food, but in fair "working" order, on the 
simple and nutritious food natural to her. A poor, half-starved 
cow must, of necessity, be scrimped in her proportions. Live 
herself, she must, and as the growing foetus within her must 
live also, and grow, its proportions will be more or less circum- 
scribed, and perhaps in its most valuable points. So, also, over- 
feeding, and excessive fatness may have the same effect on the 
foetus. The filling of her viscera with masses of faj:, will crowd 
the foetus into too small compass for proper expansion, and be as 
fatal to the development of its proportions, as the want of full 
subsistence in that of the starved cow, besides subjecting her to 
difficulty in parturition, puerperal fevers, inflammation, or other 
risks not common to cows in simply good flesh. We have 
seldom known young stock improved when the cows were in 
very low, nor when in very high condition. Cows should be 
well fed, and attended throughout the year, with all the nutri- 
tious, palatable food they need, or will take, and under such 
treatment only, will their produce be superior to themselves, or 
even, perhaps, as good. Their food may be more abundant, and 
stimulating, according to the quantities of milk they may yield 
while pregnant; and if good milkers, and their expected produce 
are intended for milkers, such milk-producing food should be 
given to perpetuate that faculty in the young. A watchful eye, 
and a steady hand, are indispensable in breeding good stock of 
any kind. 

DURATION OF PREGNANCY. 

The time of pregnancy in the cow is not always uniform. 
Nine months is the commonly estimated time. It almost always, 
runs so long, but usually longer — sometimes even to ten months. 



TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 253 

Two hundred and eighty days is given by some writers as the 
average time; others state it at two hundred and eighty-four. 
We, one year, kept an accurate account, on our own farm, of 
upwards of fifty cows, consisting of thorough bred Short-horns, 
Herefords, Devons, and their grades, and common ones. We 
found no average difference in the time of one kind from another, 
and in casting up, and averaging the time of them all, we found 
it to range from two hundred and sixty-eight to two hundred 
and ninety-one — the average being two hundred and eighty- 
four days 



CHAPTER XXI. 

BREEDING GRADE CATTLE FOR GRAZING. 

In breeding cattle for grazing, and the shambles, early maturity, 
rapidity of taking on flesh, and the distribution of it on the best 
parts of the carcass, are the main objects for profit and quick 
returns. In selecting the breed to be adopted, the same rules in 
relation to climate, and the land they are to occupy, are to be 
observed as with dairy cows. The foundation of the herd, in 
cows, should be of those, whether of common, or more or less of 
any improved blood, which combine flesh-producing qualities in 
as high degree as possible. The quantity of milk they will 
yield is of less importance. Almost any cow will give milk 
enough to rear a calf well to six or eight months old, and if in 
a locality where milk is of no particular value, that time is 
enough for her to yield it. 

The bull selected to breed from, should, if possible to obtain 
such, be pure in blood, of whatever breed may be adopted. He 
should be masculine in appearance, strong, and vigorous, but not 
coarse. He should be fine in bone, his skin, and the flesh under 
it, elastic to the touch, with good, thick, woolly hair ; no particular 
matter about the color, so that the color be true to his breed. 
His flesh should be well laid on in the best parts for beef, and 
combining as nearly the points of a model Devon, or Short-horn 
in that particular, as his breed, if of another kind, will permit. 

Abundance of good food, water, shelter, and care, the young 
should always have, and the cows and bulls should always be 
kept in good condition — not pampered — that the young do not 



BREEDING GRADE CATTLE FOR GRAZING. 255 

suffer from the misfortune of their parents in such particular; for 
any young beast to carry flesh well, and increase it rapidly, 
should have the propensity to do so bred into them from the 
womb. A poor half-starved cow cannot produce any but a lean 
calf. " What is bred in the bone stays long in the flesh," is an 
old and true adage. A bull, perfect in the points of his breed, 
is as superior to a deficient one, used even on common, or grade 
cows, to a certain extent, as to breed on thorough breds; and an 
inferior one should not be used at all; — better pay a round price 
for a good bull, than take a poor one as a gift. 

The age at which heifers should be bred, must depend some- 
what on circumstances. For grazing cattle, two years old is 
early enough to put heifers to the bull. They should acquire 
somewhat of maturity, and fair size, to produce good graziers; 
and that general remark will suffice. 

BREEDING DAIRY COWS. 

If the breeder intends to rear dairy cows, he will select as 
good milkers, with which to commence his herd, as he can find, 
whatever their condition, or blood may be, and they should be 
descendants of good milkers also, if he can ascertain the fact. 
Then he must select a bull from a tribe of good milkers in his 
own breed. The descriptions we have given of the dairy quali- 
ties of the different breeds, and his own good judgment, must 
guide the breeder in that particular. The bull chosen should 
bear, in himself, the dairy marks or points — for they show in the 
bull as well as in the cow — and he should be descended, on the 
side of both his dam and sire, if possible, of good milking ances- 
tors. His head should be small, his fore parts lighter, in propor- 
tion, than his hind parts, as in the cow ; yet he should be vigorous, 
of sound constitution, and well formed throughout. Examine his 
scrotum and see that the embryo teats on the sides of it are well, 
squarely, and uniformly placed; that his twist (space between 



256 AMEKICAN CATTLE. 

the "thighs, ) is wide, with yellowish skin, and soft to the touch, 
and it may be reasonably assured that such a bull, with well 
selected cows of the common or grade varieties, will produce 
good milkers. Then one has only to proceed, adhering to these 
rules, and breed on. Every young cow which does not prove a 
good milker, should be turned off for fattening, and her heifer 
calf to the butcher. The heifer calves of the good milkers 
only should be reared. The milking faculty will then become 
well established in the herd, and by the persistent use of such 
bulls as we have described, although the cows are but grades, 
all the substantial advantages of the pure blood, on the side of 
the bull, will virtually be obtained. 

We have seen in the history of the Ayrshire cow, in previous 
pages, how an inferior race of cattle, by the long and persistent 
use of well bred bulls, of choice blood, have been elevated into an 
established milking "breed." That process was a simple one, 
and easy to follow; it can be followed with any kind of cattle 
which it is desirable to improve, provided the first improving 
blood is adhered to, until it stamps its individual character on 
the baser blood with which it was first crossed. 

Now, at this point of successful attainment, is the very place 
where the breeder will be apt to fail in further progress, and lose 
a portion of the advantages which he has been at so much 
expense of time and cost, in his pure bred and well selected bulls, 
to attain. He may think his cows "good enough;" that his 
tribe of milkers is established, and he need go no further. "A 
pure bred bull is expensive, and I cannot afford to expend so 
much money to keep on in the same way. I'll now get, or raise 
a grade bull of this good milking stock." But let it be under- 
stood that this grade bull has got bad blood in him. Away back 
in the generations on the "common" side of his ancestry, a 
worthless brute has occurred, either in the male or female line, 
and that very bad blood may crop out in a large majority of the 



BREEDING DAIRY COWS. 257 

calves he may get, as the cows which he is to serve have, through 
their "common" ancestry, a share of bad blood also. If it be 
said there is no probability of that, the answer is, there is a 
possibility, and that risk should be avoided. The inevitable 
tendency of interbreeding grades with each other, is to throw out 
all sorts of intermixtures of the ancestral blood, and all improve- 
ment in the herd there stops — it retrogrades, even, from the very 
time the grade bull is adopted. It may be said "the Ayrshires 
were so made." True, but it took a hundred years so to make 
them into an established breed, and they are still kept up with 
the most painstaking care and selection; and no three, or four, 
or half a dozen crosses of the best pure blood of any breed, on 
our native cows, can be trusted to perpetuate, within themselves 
only, their qualities so recently and artificially bred up. Aside 
from this, the ultimate destination of the dairy cow is the sham- 
bles ; and as a good one, if of an improved breed, will, in almost 
every instance, when done for the pail, feed well, a risk of making 
the most of her in that particular, when at so trifling a cost as 
the keeping a pure bred bull, should not be ventured.' No; 
keep on with the thorough bred bull. If obtained at two years, 
he will last till he is six, eight, or ten years old, breeding him 
to his own daughters, and even granddaughters, before he is 
discarded. If "blood" in an animal is good for anything, that 
blood should be concentrated in his descendants — fixed so as to 
be retained in his stock, where it will exercise its full power and 
faculty in reproduction. It is quite as necessary in the grade as 
in the thorough bred. There is no danger in in-and-in breeding 
from such wide affinities in the first parents, for two or three 
generations. 

DO NOT CHANGE THE BREED. 

It is presumed that the breeder of dairy cows has selected for 
his use, that race which, on a deliberate examination of his soil, 
climate, and locality, is the best adapted for his purposes. If, on 



258 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

full trial, he is not disappointed in his selection, that breed should 
not be changed, unless under the sure conviction that he can 
make a change for the better. The labor and experience of 
years, when successful, no thriving man can afford to throw 
away on a mere impulse, or venture; and only on a certainty 
that a change will be advantageous to his interests. If he be a 
dairyman himself, and a good one, he has probably established a 
character and reputation for his butter or cheese, which might be 
lessened either in price or quality by a change. If he breeds 
milk cows for sale, he has also acquired a reputation for them, 
which it is worth while to retain. 

When a fresh bull becomes necessary, he should combine the 
same good qualities which have been cultivated in the herd, so 
as to continue the uniformity of character already established in 
it. The breeder should carefully look over the various points of 
his cows; see where they are deficient, and obtain his bull as 
perfect as possible in his own points, when a deficiency exists 
in his cows, that in their future produce by him, those faults may 
be corrected. The same rules in breeding grade animals to as 
near perfection as possible, are to be observed, as in breeding 
thorough breds. Recollect nature's unerring law is, "Like pro- 
duces like;" and as the bull is to stamp his impress on the 
produce of many cows, it is necessary that he combine all the 
good qualities possible to be concentrated in him. Nor, when 
he possesses extraordinary good qualities, should a moderately 
high price in his purchase, over an ordinary one, be objected to. 
Pay the advanced price cheerfully, for it will be repaid ten-fold 
in his produce, perhaps the first year of his use. Good-looking 
animals of any kind will always sell for more than those of 
ordinary appearance. It costs no more to raise them than ugly 
ones, and as a rule, the more perfect the proportions of the 
animal, the less food it requires for subsistence. 



DO NOT CHANGE THE BREED. 259 

"We say, do not change the breed, when it is once settled that 
your breed is the proper one for your purposes. Some men have 
an irresistible penchant for crossing different breeds on each 
other, in grade stock — as a Devon bull on grade Ayrshires ; then 
a Short-horn, afterward on Alderney, and so on. Nothing but 
utter disorder, uncertainty and disappointment, can be the result 
of such repeated bastardy. No truth in blood can descend from 
such mixtures, and no economical benefit can arise from them. 
Neither flesh nor milk can be promoted, for what is gained by 
one cross may be lost in the next. 

Any one proposing, or expecting to breed good cattle at all, 
must have a definite object in view at the commencement, with 
whatever breed he uses, and it will be only by a persistent course 
of breeding up in the blood, that he can expect to succeed. For 
the dairy, select a good dairy breed, and persist in it. For beef, 
take the breed of a kind fitted for the soil and climate, and so 
keep on. A purchaser will always pay more for a uniform lot 
of steers or bullocks, than for a mixed one of all sorts of char- 
acter, even if equally good in the individual animals themselves. 
And so with the purchasing dairyman. He wants his cows 
alike, if good. The upshot is, that with a parcel of mixed 
crosses of no definite character, they range but little above 
common stock, and always to the disadvantage of the breeder. 
Therefore, we again say, keep your stock as uniform in blood 
and appearance as possible. 

AGE AT WHICH HEIFERS, FOR THE DAIRY, SHOULD BE BRED. 

This will depend much on the manner in which they have 
been fed from calf hood, and the condition of flesh that they may 
be in. If they have been fed on good muscle-making food, 
with growth unstinted, they may safely be coupled with the bull 
at fifteen, to eighteen months of age ; and if possible, to a small, 
rather than to a large bull, thus, in probability, producing a 



260 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

smaller foetus, and calf, than if bred to a large one, and drawing 
less on the foetal nourishment which the heifer is obliged to 
furnish. 

The advantages of breeding thus early are : 

1st. The milking faculties of the growing heifers are more 
easily stimulated into action than if neglected to twenty-seven 
months, or later, (bringing her calf at three years of age,) and 
thus apt to prove a better milker. 

2d. She is inclined to be more docile, and easier handled, and 
managed. 

3d. She arrives at her maturity of production for dairy pur- 
poses a year earlier ; and 

4th. A year is gained in her profit. 

These are decided advantages. Objections may be made that 
the strain from such early maturity may weaken her system and 
constitution, and lessen her value in after life. This may be so 
when she has been stinted in food, and stunted in growth, but the 
objection has little weight when a thrifty and healthy growth 
has been given her. One of the finest thorough bred Short- 
horn cows we ever owned, brought her first calf at sixteen 
months old. We have had them, Devons, Herefords, Short- 
horns, and common heifers, frequently calve at two years, and 
they grew to be among the best cows of their several kinds. 
It has been our habit for many years — and we still practice it — 
for dairy purposes, to breed our heifers at fifteen to seventeen 
months, so as to cast their first calves at two years to twenty-six 
months of age; and we have found a decided advantage in it. 
They come in fine, thrifty young cows, in good condition, and 
prove excellent milkers, lasting as many years as if bred a 
season later. We have seen it practiced by others, and the great 
majority of evidence, under the circumstances we have named, 
is in favor of thus bringing them to early maturity, and conse- 
quent profit. 



BREEDING- HEIFERS FOR THE DAIRY. 261 

The only drawback to this early breeding may be, and it prob- 
ably is the fact, that the first calf may not be so good for rearing 
as when the dam is at a maturer age ; but the second calf will 
be equally as good as at any later age. The first calf of a dairy 
cow, may thus be profitably sacrificed, if it prove a weak one, to 
the increased profit of the cow herself. Yet, the first calf may 
not always be thus weakly or inferior. The calf before men- 
tioned, of the sixteen months heifer — begotten accidentally, by a 
scrub highway bull breaking into the pasture, where she was 
running with her dam — being a female, was bred at two years 
old, and proved one of the best in quite a herd of dairy cows, 
which we for several years kept. In view, therefore, of all 
circumstances — the condition of good keep, and thrifty growth 
being attached — we recommend, decidedly, to let heifers bring 
their first calves at two years old. 

Nor have we, in our practice, given extra food to these heifers. 
They were reared either by hand, as we have recommended in 
feeding stock calves, or with a part of the mother's milk only, 
until four months old, with the addition of plenty of good grass 
and hay in their proper seasons, and never fed with a morsel of 
grain, or meal, or roots, although they might possibly have been 
the better for it. But they had enough of what they did eat, and 
good care always, with warm shelter in the inclement seasons. 

We admit that heifers thus early bred, do not attain their full 
growth so soon as if left to three years, before they bring their first 
calf. But good keep will carry them to it in a year or two, and 
at four or five years, little, if any, difference in size will be found 
between them. 

Let us be distinctly understood. We only commend such early 
breeding to good, painstaking farmers and dairymen. Those 
who neglect, starve, and bang about their cattle, exposing them 
to all kinds of hardship, should never breed their heifers until 
three, possibly four years of age, and. thus incur the penalty, 



262 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

sure to follow, in their neglect, of losing one or two years' use 
of their cows, and the insubordination sure to follow their own 
mismanagement, and want of good husbandry. There are cir- 
cumstances, however, in the locality, and other conditions of 
even the good farmer and dairyman, when it may be policy to 
keep their heifers to three years, before bringing their first 
calves, and those we leave to their own proper judgment. It is, 
however, both possible, and profitable, to make the best of dairy 
cows from heifers casting their first calves at two years old. 

REARING AND TREATMENT OF BULLS. 

A bull intended for getting thorough bred, or grade stock, 
should be well fed from his birth, whether he be nursed at the 
udder, or the pail. There is no necessity for forcing his growth 
— he is rather the worse for it. His growth should be steady, 
and made on milk, a little oat, pea, or barley meal, and grass or 
hay, according to the season, for five or six months. If he be 
only intended for breeding grade, or stock cattle, six months on 
milk will answer; if for breeding thorough breds, seven, or even 
eight months is better. After weaning, his food should be sue 
culent and nourishing, not rich. "We are aware that in thorough 
breeding, it is the disposition of many breeders to feed inordi- 
nately high, so as to make " show " calves of their young bulls. 
But the practice is not a good one for the future bull. Tie 
arrives at earlier maturity, it is true, but at the expense of last- 
ing usefulness. A calf may be so forced as to make the size in 
one year, that he would make in eighteen months of moderate, 
yet good keeping; but it is to his future disadvantage, and quite 
unnecessary, as he should not be used, other than very sparingly 
— better not at all — at a less age than two years. 

He should be tied up when but a day or two old, and as soon 
alter, a3 convenient, learned to lead. He should also be learned 
to eat herbage as soon as he will take to it, say at a month, or 



REARING AND TREATMENT OF BULLS. 263 

six weeks. A strap head halter is the best fastening for him. 
At nine months, a ring should be put in his nose, and the way 
to do it is this: The ring should be of copper — steel, or iron 
will answer, but it corrodes more than copper. It should be two 
and one-half inches diameter inside. It should have a joint in 
its circle, about two inches in length, and when in place, fastened 
with a small screw, or rivet. When ready to insert, put a 
strong rope around the horns, and draw the head of the bull 
close to a post, by this halter, that he may not throw it about ; 
then seize his nose, and with a small, sharp pointed instrument — 
a three cornered saw file, with the point sharpened, is the best — 
run a hole quickly through the thin cartilige behind the nostril, 
which is there not more than a quarter of an inch thick; give 
the file a turn or two, then put in the ring, close it together, 
either screw, or rivet it, and the work is done. Little blood will 
follow the operation, and scarce any soreness. In a week when 
the soreness is healed, the leading snap, or strap may be put into 
it, and he can be led. Some herdsmen use only a rope, or leather 
halter for leading their bulls, and many of them are so gentle as 
to be so trusted; but our own rule has usually been to have a 
strong stick, six or seven feet long, with a link or two of chain, 
and a snap hook at the end, to hold him at arm's length in case 
he should be too playful, or possibly vicious. A young bull may 
be easily made vicious by improper treatment, and when once he 
becomes so, and knows his power, he is hard to be broken of it. 
Some are so from birth, naturally, but more are made vicious by 
improper treatment. 

As bulls are treated when young, will their usefulness longer, 
or shorter, be retained. A yearling, as we have observed, should 
scarcely ever be used, and only on extraordinary occasions, when a 
calf of his particular strain of blood is required, and cannot be 
obtained by a postponement of his services. At the age of 
two years, he may serve fifty to a hundred cows during the 



264 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

season, not exceeding eight or ten services a week. He should 
be kept stabled, or confined to a small yard or paddock, and well 
and regularly fed, with reasonable daily exercise, by leading out 
to walk, if stabled. If in a yard or paddock, he will exercise 
himself. At three years he may have full service, a hundred 
cows or more, without injury, and so on until he is a dozen 
years old, if his virility last so long, which it will usually do, if 
not early overworked. One perfect service of the bull to the 
cow is as efficient as more. His resources should not be lavishly 
expended. 

Some men have a strange notion that after a bull arrives at 
the age of four or five years, he should be discarded. It is at 
the age of four or five only, that the quality of his stock can be 
proved. A very fine calf may turn out a poor thing at two or 
three years old, and an unpromising calf may prove a first-rate 
animal at the same age, as we have sometimes found; therefore 
it is only at the age of four or five years that the stock of the bull 
can be fairly tested. If it prove good, the longer he can be 
used, the better, provided his vigor and stamina be retained. 
Charles Colling's celebrated bull Favorite, (252, English Herd 
Book,) was calved in 1793. In 1803, when ten years old, he 
got Comet, (155, E. H. B.,) the famous 1,000 guinea bull; and 
the next year, when eleven years old, he got North Star, (458, 
E. H. B.,) another famous bull, both of them out of his own 
daughter from his own mother, (the cow was both daughter and 
sister to him,) and better cattle in their day did not exist — 
although here was cattle incest, and breeding in-and-in with a 
vengeance, such as would astonish most of the blood cattle 
breeders of the present day at such temerity! "Favorite" was, 
no doubt, an exception to the common short-horns of his time. 
He was a bull of wonderful stamina and vigor, and probably 
got more good stock than any bull of his generation. He also 
got the famous "Durham Ox," and "The white heifer that trav 



BEARING AND TREATMENT OF BULLS. 265 

elled." (In frontispieces, Vols. 5 and 6, American Short-horn 
Herd Book.) He was useful ten years, beginning his service at 
two years, and during that time, Colling seldom used any other 
bull in his large herd of thorough bred cows. The bull Marske, 
(418, E. H. B.,) a famous animal, bred by Robert Colling, 
and many years used by him, died at the age of fifteen years, 
and was useful for thirteen years. These, and others which 
might be named, are examples which our breeders of blood cattle 
may well look to — provided they do so with proper discrimina- 
tion — and profit by it. 

"When a bull evidently loses his vigor, and conception by him 
becomes uncertain, he should be put aside, as his uncertainty 
may adhere to his coming stock — a fault always to be avoided. 
"We believe that more bulls are spoiled by forced feeding, and 
over-service when too young, than in any other way ; and when 
one is possessed of a bull of really choice blood, a careful hus- 
banding of his use should be looked to by his keeper. 

The bull should always be kept on substantial, nutritious food ; 
never suffered to become poor, nor fat, but always in good 
working order. He is a surer sire in such condition, than when 
pampered and over-fed. When little, or not at all used, his food 
may be slackened to simple grass, hay, or cut feed, with a little 
grain meal mixed. When much used, his food should be 
increased, and of better quality. Oat or barley meal produces 
more muscular flesh, and seminal and muscular vigor, than the 
fatty, sugary meal of corn; and muscular and seminal vigor is 
greatly serviceable in procreation. Sugar-producing food, in 
breeding animals of either sex, may be hurtful, as demonstrated 
in the previous remarks quoted from Professor Tanner, and Mr. 
Stewart, on barrenness. 

The quantities of extra food to be given to a bull in the season 
of service to cows, cannot here be particularly stated. It will 
depend much on the size of the bull, and the extent of service 
12 



266 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

required of him. The observation of his keeper must regulate 
the quantity. The feed should be regular, at each meal, and 
given three times a day. No positive rules for the hours of 
feeding can be laid down, and. the discretion of those who have 
charge of the animal, must mainly govern. When in service, 
if confined in a stable, a moderate amount of exercise by walk- 
ing, should be given him daily. It not only adds to his activity, 
but stimulates his virility, and better insures the certainty of his 
procreation. 

Grooming with the curry comb, or card and brush, and fre- 
quent washing with water, and occasionally the use of soap, is 
as necessary to a choice bull as to a stallion. A clean skin, and 
lithe limbs, promoting good action, are a decided advantage to 
him — not altogether for like purposes as in the horse, to 
show his paces. The bull should have a majestic walk, and 
be quick and vigorous in movement. So treated, his calves can- 
not but be the better for it. A dirty, dandruflfed bull, unkempt, 
and slovenly in appearance, always shows to disadvantage, and 
any breeder having a just pride in his cattle, will bestow equal 
pains in keeping his bull in the best condition of appearance, as 
he who prides himself in owning an "Ethan Allen," or a "Lex- 
ington" horse. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

REARING STOCK CALVES THEIR TREATMENT. 

The method of rearing calves depends much on the future 
use to be made of them. On this subject, breeders and writers 
hold different opinions, and each may be correct, according to 
circumstances. 

The best time for calves to be dropped, which are intended for 
rearing, is in the spring of the year. Nature has taught us that, 
and all experience is in its favor. 

As observed in a previous chapter, the calf should, at its first 
meal, and as soon after birth as inclined, suck its dam. This is 
indispensable to its health, in enabling it to discharge the foetal 
nutriment remaining in its stomach and bowels, and give it 
strength for future action. Even when it is intended to bring it 
up by hand, in feeding from the pail, three or four meals from 
the udder are all the better, and it will as readily take the finger 
for feeding then, as immediately after its first meal. When the 
calf is of no value, and milk only is the object, two or three 
days are enough for it to live, until the milk be thoroughly fit 
for use. If the cow's udder be diseased by inflammation, or 
otherwise, it may be necessary to retain the calf a few days 
longer, to draw the milk and soften it, for no draft upon the udder 
is so natural and soothing as that of the calf. 

rearing by hand. 
The very first thing to be done with a calf, after he has drawn 
his first few meals, is to put a rope, or strap around his neck, 
and tie him to a fastening, with three or four feet play to his 



268 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

rope, to let him know he has a master. He will not soon forget 
it, if so kept for a few days. The rearing is done in various ways, 
according to the necessities of the keeper of the cow, and the use 
which is to be made of the milk. The interest of the dairyman 
is apt to give the calf as little food in new milk as possible ; but 
for the benefit of the calf it should have undiluted milk for a 
week or ten days, at the shortest. After that time, the new 
milk may be slackened, and skimmed milk added. Flax seed, 
boiled for hours, into a jelly, may be mixed with it, slightly at 
first, and in a few days, to the extent of one-half this food may 
be given; or, in its place, fine boiled Indian, oat, or barley meal 
gruel, mixed with the milk, may be substituted. 

But, the calf should always have enough to satisfy its hunger, 
and fed regularly, as to time, twice a day, at morning and even- 
ing. If not at a time to turn to grass, and kept in a stable, a 
wisp of fine sweet hay should be tied in a cord, and suspended 
against the wall, or loosely laid in a manger, where it can nibble 
it. The hay will amuse the calf, at the least, and it soon learns 
to love it, aside from adding much to its nourishment. As soon 
as the grass is ready, it should be turned into a small paddock to 
range at will. If running water be m ; at hand, it should be 
provided in a tub, or trough, that constant access may be had to 
it — for your calf is a great drinker, aside from its ordinary meals 
of milk, or gruel. This process of feeding should be continued 
during quite four months, or longer, according to the purpose for 
which it is to be reared, with a little salt, either in its food, or 
placed in a trough, as often as once a week, to keep its bowels 
regular, and promote its general health. In a dairy, whey may 
take the place of skimmed milk, and where whey is not made, 
and skimmed milk is scarce, after the first six weeks, flax seed 
jelly, or gruel porridge, may be used altogether. Other substi- 
tutes may take its place, but nothing is so natural food for the 
calf as milk. 



BEARING STOCK CALVES. 269 

We have raised stock calves in different ways, but in none so 
satisfactory as on their mother's milk, drawn by themselves. It 
is more expensive, where the milk is of considerable value, we 
admit, but less troublesome to the farmer. Our way is to let the 
calf take — according to its necessities, and the quantity the cow 
gives — one, two, or three teats — first drawing clean what can be 
spared to the dairy, from the teats so milked, and then letting 
the calves take the residue. We are satisfied that one-third less 
milk drawn by the calf from the cow, will give as much nourish- 
ment as the full quantity fed him by hand. The saliva secreted 
in the process of sucking is beneficial in aiding the digestion, 
such being the natural process. Cows that are good milkers 
will thus rear a stock calf, to three or four months old, on one- 
half or one-third of their milk, and when the increased value of the 
heifer calves for future dairy cows is considered, the value of the 
milk they take for three or four months may be a good invest- 
ment in them. For convenience, two calves may be nursed by 
one cow, which is often preferred, as by such method the remain- 
ing cows may be devoted altogether to dairy use. 

After four months, the calf, if intended only for stock, or dairy 
purposes, may be turned out to pasture without further hand 
feeding, or nursing at the cow. The grass should be good, with 
water always at hand. In this way the calf will be in good con- 
dition for going into winter quarters. Then, with enough good, 
soft hay, or corn blades, salt once a week, and plenty of good 
water, it will go through the winter well, and come out a thrifty, 
sprightly yearling at the next grass. Oats in the grain, or corn, 
pea, rye, buckwheat, or barley meal, at the rate of a pint, or 
quart a day, in addition to their ordinary forage, is an excellent 
food for stock calves, and will add to their growth and condition ; 
but if the hay, or corn blades be choice in quality, they will go 
through well without grain. We have thus reared, and seen 
reared by others, very fine thorough bred calves to yearlings, 
minding only, to give them all they would eat. 



270 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

In the extracts which we have previously given in the chap- 
ters on the Galloway and Ayrshire breeds of cattle, will be found 
valuable information in rearing stock calves, to which we refer 
the reader. It may be thought superfluous to have introduced 
it; but on so important a subject, none too much information can 
be suggested. 

CALVES FOR VEAL, 

Should have all the milk, direct from the cow, that they will 
take, until four to six weeks old, with corn meal added, if they 
will take it. No artificial feeding will make them so fit for that 
purpose as their mother's milk, drawn by themselves; and it 
may be added, that no veal made otherwise is worth eating. 
Veal calves should be confined to a small space, with clean bed- 
ding, and pure air. Otherwise, their flesh may be tainted with 
the effluvia of foul stables. 

CALVES RUNNING WITH THE COWS. 

This, at the best, is both a loose, and a bad practice. We are 
aware that in many localities, where land is of low value, the 
milk of little account, and labor dear, many farmers let their 
calves run at large with the cows through the season. As calves, 
they are the better for it, do doubt; but as yearlings, and after- 
wards, they are but little better than when well reared by hana, 
and not so good as when kept separate from the cow, and 
suckled at regular hours. They never should run loose with the 
cow, for various reasons: 

1st. It is a practice of neglect on the part of the breeder, 
which should not be tolerated. The cow brings her calf when 
lying out in the field, and may, possibly, suffer much in parturi- 
tion, when a little aid would make everything easy and comfort- 
able for her. If her udder be full, and she give more milk than 
the calf may need at first, which is almost always the case, one 
or more of the teats will be neglected by it. These teats become 



REARING STOCK CALVES. 271 

inflamed, and hard, and as the calf has no judgment in the matter, 
he will not touch it, and as a consequence, after causing the cow 
infinite pain, the quarter of the udder affected soon dries up, and 
is from that time lost, not again, even at a future time of calving, 
to be restored. We have seen very fine cows subjected to such 
practice, with only one or two teats left, and poor nurses they 
must be, as the quarters of the udder still left in milk, give only 
their proportionate quantity to the whole when in full action. 

2d. The cow grows wild, and refractory, not becoming so 
tractable after running with the calf through the season. 

3d. From constant sucking, the udder cannot be distended 
by its full secretions of milk, and it becomes contracted by habit, 
seldom giving so much milk afterwards as when drawn but twice 
a day. 

4th. The calf grows up wild and unmanageable. If a steer, 
intended for grazing, it is of less moment; but if a heifer, 
intended for the dairy, she is much harder to manage and break 
in than if subjected to early handling. 

5th. The calf grows up coarse, and heavy necked, and is 
never so fine as when brought up separate from the cow. In 
short, we have not a word to say in favor of the practice, 
only in those great cattle ranges, where, from various circum 
stances it is impossible to keep them within bounds, and the 
breeds are such, that no neglect, or bad management, can make 
them worse. 

HANDLING YOUNG ANIMALS SHELTER. 

The advantages of bringing up young stock tame, and man 
ageable, are, that they feed better than when running wild; they 
learn the call of their keeper; they are fearless of his presence, 
and seek his companionship with confidence. No cattle breeder 
knows into what hands his young stock may fall, and to the buyer 
of them it may make a difference of some dollars in the value of 



272 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

a heifer, or steer, whether they be easy to handle, or otherwise, 
according to the use he may make of them. We have at dif- 
ferent times bought both steers and heifers at the West — one for 
the yoke, or beef, the other to make dairy cows. They were 
treated in the common way of many Western breeders, always 
running out in winter, as well as in summer, and the labor of 
breaking them into the stables after taking them home, aside 
from the risk of injury, was a heavy tax on both time and 
patience. Some would be intractable altogether, and have to be 
turned out for beef before their profitable time, while others, 
after a few days' tying up, would become gentle, and give no 
further trouble. We know that in large breeding herds, and 
under all circumstances, it is not possible to always bring young 
cattle up to familiar handling, from the want of stables, or sheds; 
but every breeder should have some accommodation of the kind. 
It will pay him a better interest on the investment, for the benefit 
of his stock, than any other expenditure, to a moderate amount, 
after the farm is fitted for occupation. The practice so common 
with many farmers, of giving no winter shelter to their stock, is 
a losing one in food, as well as by their exposure to the sudden 
change of the atmosphere and weather. Such practice should 
be reformed. 

REARING THOROUGH BRED HEIFERS. 

When intended for breeding only, and early maturity and ready 
sales are the object, all the milk from the cow should be given, 
and the calf may draw it either from the udder, or pail. She 
should be confined in her stall, or paddock, kept under perfect 
control with the halter, and in addition to milk, fed with all the 
hay or grass — according to the season — she will eat. She may 
nurse her dam, or be fed milk from the pail through the entire 
season, if necessary ; but six to eight months are enough, so that 
she have a sufficiency of other good food, and the succeeding calf 
will be all the better for the long rest of her dam. 



REARING STOCK CALVES. 273 

It has been, and is still, a matter of discussion with breeders 
as to what extent the growth of a heifer calf should be forced 
to attain her best estate, as a breeder, and to promote improve 
ment in her kind. So far as we can learn, Bakewell was a gen 
erous feeder of his young stock, and forced them by such means 
to early maturity, and increased ripeness in their points. So too, 
but hardly in so great degree, were the Collings, and the Booths 
Bates, perhaps an equal improver with any other breeders of his 
later day, fed well, but not so lavishly as they. But all good 
breeders, of whom we have any particular account, fed their 
stock freely. Almost all the imported cattle which we have seen 
— bulls, cows, heifers, and calves alike, came over, in very high 
condition — in most cases, "stall fed." Whether they were so 
fed at home to better fill the eye of the purchaser there, or for sale 
after landing here, or because the whole stock of their breeders 
were usually so kept at home, we do not know; but it is certain 
that heifers so forced from calf-hood do not usually prove so sure 
breeders, as when only well fed, without the forcing process. 
No doubt high feeding produces earlier maturity in the young 
heifer than low keep will do ; and, it is possible that the high 
feeding of heifers up to their breeding age may have a marked 
effect on the fleshy propensities of their offspring. But the 
process is not a natural one, and it should be managed with great 
caution. 

Where competition actively exists for sale breeding, the ten- 
dency for high feeding is almost irrepressible. The merits of 
young animals are too often decided on the show grounds of the 
annual cattle exhibitions in favor of the highest fed ones, and in 
the beef producing breeds the practice may not be objectionable. 
But for milking purposes it should never be done, as the milking 
tendency may be held in abeyance by over fatness, and it should 
not be prematurely stimulated for the welfare and long useful- 
ness of the future cow. Breeders usually pursue that course 
12* 



274 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

which is most for their own immediate interest, and probably, if 
we were to write a volume on the subject contrary to that inter- 
est, their practice would not be changed. The theory, and the 
direction, at most of our American cattle exhibitions, are, that 
the condition in flesh, of the animals placed in competition for 
prizes, is not to be considered by the judges in awarding their 
premiums ; but the result of the awards has in most cases been, 
that the high fed ones get the prizes, and the leaner ones do not. 
Much flesh, like charity, sometimes covers a multitude of sins, in 
the anatomy wrapped within it. Hence, the tendency is to high 
feeding with all who wish to make sales — as almost every breeder 
does — and in all public sales of cattle that we ever witnessed, 
the fat breeding cows outsold the lean, even when of inferior 
anatomical excellence. The eye will, in a majority of cases 
with men, as they run, take precedence of the judgment, and so 
long as the popular feeling tends that way, breeders will take 
that course which gives them the most ready money. Still, the 
fact remains, that the forced feeding of young heifers is a hurtful 
practice, in the long run. 

INFLUENCING THE SEX OF CALVES. 

We have, at different times, seen sundry papers, mostly by 
fanciful writers, directing the way to produce different sexes, at 
will, by the treatment of the cow, or bull, at the time of procrea- 
tion ; but we confess, without convincing us of any truth in the 
methods prescribed. The most ingenious of these various pro- 
cesses, and of course, the most painstaking, are given by French 
or Swiss writers. We do not repeat them, for the simple reason 
that we have no faith in them. The English breeders appear to 
have little, if any, confidence in such artificial efforts, consid- 
ering them, as most sensible people do, abortive. "Male and 
female created He them," is the great law of production, and in 
about equal proportions in all animated nature, so far as history 
and experience has proved; and all man's ingenuity to the con- 



REARING STOCK CALVES. 275 

trary has been ineffective. Our own credulity has been exer- 
cised in various trials of the kind, only to convince us of the 
folly of pursuing them, and on comparing notes with experi- 
enced breeders, who have also tried various methods, our conclu- 
sions have been alike. In some years, to be sure, we have had 
a preponderance of one sex, in calves, over the other; in another 
year it would be reversed; but on an average of several years, 
the sexes were about equal, yet differing in proportion, within the 
same neighborhoods. There may have been peculiar hidden 
influences to control the result in a given herd, of one year 
beyond another ; but as no human observation has yet arrived at 
a certainty in its solution, we may more wisely let it alone, and 
be content with what nature gives us, being careful, by our own 
attention, that it be as good as possible, of its kind. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

BEEF CATTLE. DIFFERENCES IN BREED REGULARITY OF CON- 
DITION PROPER AGES FOR FATTENING MODES OF FEEDING 

SHAPE OF FAT CATTLE. 

The rearing of cattle for beef only, is purely an economical 
question, and the profit or loss in rearing and feeding them, 
depends, in a measure, on the breed of the animal, and the 
locality where they are reared and fed. 

We have already shown the money value of the beef product 
of the country. We have discussed the different breeds best 
adapted to make it, and to a wise selection from them, both the 
breeder, and the grazier must look, measurably, for the profit 
they are to receive in their production and feeding. It costs the 
breeder no more to breed a good calf than a poor one. It costs 
the grazier no more to feed a good steer or heifer than a poor 
one. It costs the stall-feeder no more to fat a good, than a poor 
one — -all owing to the superior fitness of the animal for the pur- 
pose. Some cattle are so anatomically formed as to make it 
impossible for them to take on flesh in the right places, or even 
to take much flesh at all. It is therefore of the highest conse- 
quence, that only the right kinds be used for that purpose. 
Some animals will only mature their carcasses into good beef at 
five, six, or more years old, while others will be well matured at 
three to four, or in spayed heifers, at two years. The first of 
these, as slow feeders, are unprofitable to all who touch them ; 
the others are profitable at every age, from calf hood to slaughter. 

If, in light of all the observation and experience we have on 



BEEF CATTLE. 277 

this subject, men will raise poor cattle, they must suffer the con- 
sequences. No good grazier or stall-feeder ought to touch them. 
Little money is to be made out of them, at almost any price. 

Cattle intended for beef only, as for other purposes, should 
always be well fed, and kept growing. Full pasture during the 
grazing season, and plenty of hay, or corn forage in winter, with 
straw, more or less, to lie upon, with salt every week or ten days, 
throughout the year, up to two years and a half old, they should 
have. According to their ripeness for feeding off, the third 
winter they may be fed some grain. At three full years old, 
they should have the best pasturage, that they may get fat on 
grass, as that is the cheapest possible way to put on flesh. The 
next winter and spring, when coming four years old, any animal 
intended for beef ought to be fit for slaughter, and if of the 
proper breed, or a good grade of that breed, it will be. 

We maintain that where cattle pasture and winter forage is of 
any value, no neat animal, for beef alone, can be profitably kept 
after four years old — from three to four years of age being the 
maximum of time which should be allowed for feeding, up to 
slaughter. No animal, unless it be a milk cow, or a working ox, 
can pay for keeping, unless for some extraordinary purpose, a 
longer time. It has been conclusively proved that cattle of good 
breeds acquire their full profitable ripeness, at three and a half, 
to four years of age. Such bullocks, of the Short-horn or Here- 
ford breeds, or high grades of those breeds, well kept as store 
cattle, and fed off on grain during their last autumn and winter, 
will easily attain 1,600 to 1,800, or even 2,000 pounds, live 
weight, and the Devons and other good lighter breeds, 1,300 to 
1,500 pounds, and spayed heifers in proportionate weight, with 
somewhat earlier maturity. They can be kept profitably up to 
those ages and weights; but unless for "show" purposes, or to 
develop some extraordinary point or characteristic, their further 
keeping must result in a loss, comparatively, for the food con- 
sumed, and the flesh they will lay on. 



278 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Steers of common, or inferior breeds, which will not be well 
covered with flesh at the ages, and under the circumstances of 
those above named, are scarcely worth breeding and rearing at 
all, where good beef is in question, and fair profits in the busi- 
ness are considered. The modes of feeding, the materials on 
which they are fed, and their values, vary so much in different 
sections of the country where the cattle are prepared for 
market, that no directions can be given to govern all circum- 
stances alike. In the Eastern and Middle States, where land is 
dear, and forage of most kinds proportionately so, all the food 
given to fattening cattle, should be prepared in the best manner 
for ready assimilation to nourishment, when it goes into the 
stomach. Grain should be ground into meal — no corn-cobs in 
it, for cob meal is no better than sawdust — hay should be cut into 
chaff, and moistened, and with a due proportion of meal, mixed 
together for easy mastication, with warm shelter for stall-feed- 
ing during the winter, thus saving at least twenty-five to thirty 
per cent, in food, to make a given quantity of flesh, over feeding 
unground grain, or uncut hay. If roots be fed, they should be 
cut also. The policy of cooking the food for cattle, by steaming, 
is discussed elsewhere. It is a question for trial, and its 
economy must depend on circumstances touching the price of fuel, 
the value of labor, and other circumstances; but as food, cooked 
and warm, is made easier to the digestive powers of the stomach, 
there is no doubt that a less quantity will make more flesh, than 
when uncooked. That ground grain, and cut hay, will make 
more flesh than if not so prepared, has been too thoroughly 
tried to admit of a question. The item of expense in so prepar- 
ing it must determine its policy. 

"With the mass of Western feeders, where land is compara- 
tively low, labor dear, artificial shelter does not abound, and mills 
are scarce, the case is different. Corn fed from the shock, where 
the stalks and blades supply the place of hay, as is almost uni- 



BEEF CATTLE. 279 

versally the custom below the latitude of 40° north, may be 
more economical. Time and trial must solve these questions. 
But as railways penetrate the country, making corn more valua- 
ble to the producer, as he is in greater or less proximity to them, 
the different modes of feeding will be worthy of consideration. 

Let us examine this important matter of fattening off, or stall- 
feeding, a little more minutely, as to its economy. A few years 
ago, we met a gathering of graziers and breeders in a West- 
ern cattle growing State bordering the Ohio river, when the 
subject of breeding, grazing, and feeding beef cattle, came under 
discussion. They were among the most intelligent, thrifty, and 
wealthy of that class of farmers who deal largely in neat stock, 
and feed them for market. We asked the question: "How much 
corn, fed from the shock, in the usual way of out-door field-feed- 
ing, does it take to carry a three to four year old Short-horn 
grade bullock, (as those, in that region, are admitted to be the 
most profitable,) from the fall of the year, when corn is needed, 
to fit him for market at any time from February to April?" A 
half-dozen replies were made to the question, not from any actual 
measurement that they had ever made — for the inquiry appeared 
to be a new one, in their great abundance of corn forage, which 
they had not always been in habit of closely saving — but only 
of estimate. One replied, " about fifty bushels ;" another, "sixty •" 
another, "seventy-five;" another, "perhaps eighty," and so on 
up to, "at the very most, a hundred." Another "estimated" 
that "an acre of good corn, taking it as it run, would usually 
feed off a bullock well." 

Not one of these graziers, and feeders, although they had been 
in the business many years, and some of them made large sums 
of money in it, had even gone into nice estimates, and probablj 
for reasons which they could not well control. In the first place, 
they had corn enough, and the cattle must be fatted, let the quan 
tity consumed by them be what it might. A better reason, we 



280 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

think, for the difference in estimate, was the inequality of the 
seasons and weather during the feeding time; as, if the winter 
were colder, or warmer, and the cattle being unsheltered, the 
amount of food consumed would depend much upon the severity, 
or mildness, of the weather, and the storms to which they were 
subjected, the cattle eating much more, and taking less flesh in 
cold, and eating less, while making more flesh in mild weather. 
Thus, we can readily conceive, that in a mild season fifty bushels 
of grain would give as much flesh as a hundred would in a very 
severe one. That is a fact so palpable, that no one, of any expe- 
rience in the business, will dispute it. 

STALL-FEEDING. 

Now, if those cattle were properly housed, and kept dry under 
an equable temperature, their hay, or corn fodder cut, and their 
corn ground, the food would be consumed in nearly uniform 
rations, and the feeder could know, nearly to a certainty, about 
how much his bullocks would cost per head to fatten them. The 
scales, and measures, would decide the matter. Nor need' the 
labor question here interfere against the latter method. With a 
good horse power — not an expensive one — a good straw cutter, 
(both costing not to exceed two, or three hundred dollars,) and a 
horse of the cheapest kind to propel them, two men will cut and 
mix, for feeding, two tons of food every day. We have seen 
it done when every thing was handy for the work, and the forage 
at hand. 

The process of feeding beef cattle in this way, is quite simple. 
The stalls being properly prepared, the bullocks, even if they 
never before went into a stable, and wild in habit, once being inside 
and finding good fodder, will soon eagerly return, take their 
proper places, and submit to be tied by the rope, or chain, or put 
their heads through stanchels. At the first few feedings, the 
quantity of grain, or meal, should be moderate, but daily increas- 
ing until the stomach will dispose of all that may be necessary 



BEEF CATTLE. . 281 

to crowd the flesh on to them in the shortest time. They should 
not be over fed, nor ever given more than they can clean up at 
a meal. By giving every beast his accustomed place, or stall, 
the feeder soon learns to gauge the quantity he usually eats ; or, 
if they take their places promiscuously, the feeder must watch, 
and see that each one have his proper allowance, for this is not a 
business to be neglected by simply throwing the feed carelessly 
into the mangers, and then leaving the cattle to themselves with- 
out further care, as though his work was completed. The eye 
of the feeder must be upon his stock continually. 

Finely cut hay, or corn stalks, (above the ear,) through the cut- 
ting box, with fine ground Indian corn, barley, rye, buckwheat, 
pea, or oat meal, or oil cake, measured by weight, not bulk, well 
mixed, with plenty of water sprinkled equally through it, is the 
very best way possible to put flesh on to any ruminating animal. 
The cut fodder should be so proportioned as to fill the stomach, 
and meal enough mixed with it to give all the nourishment 
required in the way of fattening. These proportions may have 
to be changed, somewhat, according as the weather may be mild, 
or frosty, less grain being required in soft, and more in severe 
days. If the cold affects the temperature of the stables adversely, 
the animal heat must be kept up by a greater quantity of food 
than would be needed when the temperature is milder. All this 
must be a matter of close observation with the feeder. 

Now, if this food could go into the stomach of the animal at 
blood heat — and here comes in the additional advantage of cook- 
ing it — so much of animal heat as has to be expended in warm- 
ing that otherwise cold food after entering the stomach, would be 
saved to go into flesh, for the animal heat has to be created by 
this food, and is therefore experided in producing it, and cannot, 
to such heat creating extent, of course, make fat, or flesh. So, 
also, would be saved the amount of food expended in producing 
the muscular strength and work of the jaws in grinding, for 



282 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

this power has to be furnished from some source, and we hold 
that the power so produced in the internal system of the animal 
itself, is the dearest possible way of making it. Cooking, or 
warming the food, is, therefore, a great economy, much more, we 
consider, than its additional expense. We shall examine this 
subject hereafter. 

Cattle thus stall-fed, should only leave their stables for water, 
and a little exercise. An hour in a day, altogether, is quite 
enough for both, at either once, or twice, as they may need it. 
With their food well moistened, water once a day may be 
enough, or twice, at the extent. They should have all the rest 
they need, and if kept clean, as they should be, and well bedded 
with straw, or other litter, which is better than on a bare floor, 
they will lie down most of the time when not feeding, and take 
on flesh much faster. Such, we esteem, the perfection of the 
stock-feeding process. 

In opposition to this expensive process, as many Western gra- 
ziers may consider it, they contend that, by feeding corn in the 
ear to cattle, and letting swine follow them in the fields, all 
the grain is consumed. What passes the cattle wholly, or in 
part, unmasticated, as a considerable portion of it does, is taken 
by the swine, swelled and partially cooked, and better prepared 
for them. We admit the fact, but it is a dirty and slovenly way 
of swine feeding, and the flesh they thus take on is of an inferior 
quality. Besides this, the jaws of the cattle must be the grind- 
ing mill for the grain, and their stomachs the cooking cauldron 
for the process; and a more expensive method for either cannot 
well be imagined. The muscular power for grinding, and the 
heat for cooking, must both be supplied by extraordinary quan- 
tity of grain fed to them. We fully admit the manual labor 
saving in this more primitive process over the other, but contend, 
also, that the greater economy in the saving of food, is much 
more than a compensation, and a larger profit is left to the stock 
owner by the improved process. 



BEEF CATTLE. 283 

To the objection of the absence of mills for grinding the grain, 
the husking and shelling the corn, the bagging and drawing to 
mill and back, the toll for grinding, cutting the hay, stalks for 
straw, and other expenses, we place on the other side, full one- 
third gain in the quantity of forage and grain expended, a much 
shorter time in fitting the cattle for market, and the additional 
quality of the manure made. Taken all together, we are satisfied 
the balance sheet will tell in favor of the improved method. If 
grain mills are now scarce in the feeding districts, a demand for 
grinding will soon supply them, propelled either by water, or 
steam, and like all other wants in these days of machinery, they 
will be soon supplied. 

A word or two more in relation to manure, the economy of 
which is often overlooked or neglected. It is valuable on almost 
any land. We care not how rich the land, in its virgin state, 
may be. The manure will help it, on all uplands. "We never 
saw land too rich for growing Indian corn, or grass. Stable 
manure, or manure made under sheds, is of better quality than 
manure dropped from cattle promiscuously in the field. It can 
be put where it is wanted. That which is dropped in the fields 
by the cattle, must, of necessity, lie unevenly on the surface, and 
be used where dropped, and the labor of hauling it from the 
sheds, or stables, is amply compensated in the uniformity of its 
distribution, over that which is accidentally deposited by the cat- 
tle as they roam over the fields. Those who have practiced the 
loose way of ordinary cultivation, may not so estimate the fact, 
but a trial will soon settle it. Thousands of acres of lean 
uplands may, every year, be seen giving only twenty to thirty 
bushels of corn, or a ton, or less of hay to the acre, while a river 
bottom, or a small enriched "home lot," will give twice, or thrice, 
the quantity of both; and the same lean uplands, by the applica- 
tion of those so saved manures, may be made to yield just as 
well, from the advantages of the improved modes of feeding. 



284 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Another item which may be taken into account, as to the man- 
ner of feeding, is the number of cattle which the grazier or 
stall-feeder has on hand. It takes but little more labor to feed 
fifty cattle than ten, or in like proportions of number. In the 
way of transportation, it costs little more to carry a fat beast to 
market than it does a lean one. They mostly go by rail. They 
are charged by the car load, and a given number of pounds is 
allotted to the car; so, according to the price he brings, the lean 
bullock costs more to carry than the fat one, as he has as much 
length and breadth of bone, if less flesh, and takes nearly as 
much room as the fat one, while his selling value may not be 
more than half, or two-thirds as much ; and this, in a transporta- 
tion of a thousand miles or more, is a considerable sum in the 
aggregate. The drover is paying a huge price for transporting 
bone, horn, hoof, and paunch, for no good whatever, for they are 
all waste, and when in market his stock is "blown" upon by 
every buyer he meets, and at the best they go off at low prices. 
We have seen hundreds of car loads of what are called, in the 
Eastern markets, "Durham Steers" — grown in all the States 
where Short-horns, or any other choice breeds, in their high 
grades are kept, and well fed — which cost not over five to ten 
dollars a head more in their transportation, than the poorest 
scrub. Such cattle sell readily, at good prices, in almost any 
state of the market, while the ragged ones wait, perhaps some 
days for a buyer, and then at two, three or four cents lower, in 
every pound of estimated weight. 

SHAPE OF A FAT NEAT ANIMAL. 

The proper shape of a fat ox or cow of a good breed, when 
the head, neck, and legs are cut off, should be nearly an oblong 
square, and the nearer they approach that shape, the more per- 
fect they are. A square anatomy gives a broad space for the 
lungs and the viscera, and room for the deposit of inside fat. 



BEEF CATTLE. 



285 



Thus constructed, the animal feeds profitably, and dies well — 
satisfactory alike to both feeder and butcher. 

We illustrate our point, in giving four cuts, representing the 
back, front, rear, and side views of a fat ox. They are no exag- 
geration of one fed up to his greatest capacity, although the 
profit of such extreme feeding, beyond that to produce "first- 
class" beef, may be questioned. The quality of such highly 
fattened flesh, is less savory than when only well fatted. 




In this ox, every part of the meat, throwing out the hide, tal- 
low, and bone, of course, is good, consumable flesh. There are 
the best of steaks, roasts, corning pieces; and the least valuable 



286 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

parts, which would be nearly worthless in a lean ox, are good 
for drying. When dressed, there is really no loss in the carcass, 
except bone. In Fig. 4, D and C, the (brisket and round,) make 
the finest mess beef, and in large quantity. The loin, at B, and 
following up the back to the shoulder, being broad and full, gives 
the best of steaks, and roasts. The "plates," at F, are full and 
thick, and give excellent corning and packing pieces; while the 
shoulder points, or neck vein, at A, and the thigh, at E, make 
good pieces for drying or smoking. It is easy to see, therefore, 
that such an animal turns all the extra food given to him, into 
profitable flesh and tallow. He has no more bone, and little 
more hide, than if he were lean. 

The economy of good feeding is too palpable for extended 
observation. We have stood in the extensive sale cattle yards 
of Buffalo, the past winter and spring — 1866-7 — in the midst of 
two thousand or more bullocks, and seen hundreds of first quality 
high grade "Durham Steers," three to four years old, reared in 
Ohio, Kentucky, and other Western States, go off briskly, from 
drover to dealer, at nine to eleven cents a pound, live weight 
while the great majority of inferior things hung back, and went 
off slowly at four and a half cents for the worst, and so on up to 
five, six, seven, and eight, for "poor," "middling," and "fair." 

Two items only, made this wide difference — breed, and feeding. 
Some were so execrably bad, in shape and inferiority of breed, 
that no amount of good feed would make them profitable to the 
breeder, grazier, or feeder; the others were so good in breed and 
flesh, that they were profitable in every hand through which 
they passed, from calf hood to the butcher's block. 

CATTLE OF THE LONDON (ENGLISH) MARKETS. 

To show the comparative condition of our American beef cat- 
tle with those of England, we give an extract from a letter just 
received from our brother, Mr. A. B. Allen, of New York, 



BEEF CATTLE. 287 

written from Liverpool, in September, 1867, soon after he had 
visited the great London cattle market. It may interest our 
American cattle breeders : 

"The great cattle market of London, some twelve years ago 
was removed from Smithfield to Islington, formerly a distinct 
village from London. It is now incorporated with it, the streets 
thither and beyond, and all around, being solidly built up since 
I was there in 1841, when they were only partially built. I have 
visited the market twice. Monday is the great market day of 
the week, and it begins at 6 a.m. I was there a little before 
this hour, and found the yards full — 6,280 cattle on the ground, 
besides calves, sheep, and swine. It is the most complete thing 
you can imagine. It was opened in June, 1855, by Prince 
Albert, with a great public display. It cost £440,000 — over 
two millions of dollars ! Fifteen acres are enclosed in a square, 
which will hold 7,600 bullocks; 40,000 sheep; 1,400 calves, and 
900 pigs. In the center of this is a high clock tower; at its 
base, attached to it, are banking houses, telegraph offices, rooms 
for the officers of the market, clerks, &c. Around this square 
are streets with hotels, yards, solid, handsome sheds, and eight 
slaughter houses. All these belong to the market, and the whole 
occupy thirty acres. It is about two miles in a direct line north 
of St. Paul's Cathedral, but the streets wind about so much, 1 
think one travels at least three miles from this point to get there. 
The old Smithfield market was only about half a mile north of 
St. Paul's. 

"At Smithfield, in 1841, all the cattle there were natives — 
now not over one-fourth to one-third are natives. Denmark, 
(mostly Jutland,) alone furnishes about one-sixth; Holland, 
Prance, and other countries many ; so it was no great place after 
all to fully judge about British cattle, only by comparison with 
others. The foreign mostly, except the Dutch, were coarse, raw- 
boned, paunchy, and deficient in valuable points, (like our old 



'288 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

natives,) to the British. The black and white Dutch had short 
legs, tolerable heavy carcasses, and moderately good points. I 
saw very few, perhaps none at all, of pure short-horns — for I 
presume the full bred males are too valuable to make into steers, 
except a very few for the Smithfield fat cattle club show, annu- 
ally, in December. But among the British cattle, on that Mon- 
day I was at the yard, short-horn grades predominated in number 
and good beef points, to all others, and to my surprise, the 
butchers informed me that they ranked in general quality as 
high as thorough bred Herefords and Devons. The Scotch 
Highlanders still rank highest, the well bred Scotch black 
polled, or Galloway, next, then come grade short-horns, Here- 
fords and Devons — pretty much all others go in one general 
mass with foreign, except the Dutch. Some butchers might 
have other fancies, and rank Herefords or Devons before short- 
horn grades, but this was the general answer, so far as my 
enquiries extended. When in Smithfield, in 1841, Devons 
ranked next to the Scotch, then Herefords, then grade short- 
horns, but these latter were fewer at that time in the country, 
and coarser, and not so high graded as now, which, I suppose, 
makes the difference. The Herefords, and Devons, lack in full- 
ness between the hip-bones to the end of the rump. They are 
often low and thin in that valuable point, in comparison with 
the short-horns, and you cannot get so good rump pieces from 
them as from the short-horns, and this for corned beef is one of 
the most valuable parts of the carcass. ' These breeds, also, are 
deficient to the short-horns in breadth of loin ; I mean across the 
hip-bones ; also in the brisket, which is a valuable point. The 
Devons had a little the advantage of the short-horn grades in 
the crops — the Herefords are about equal in these parts to them. 
"In fact, I found the short-horns better here than I expected. 
Then they handle so well, look so fine, and ripe, and mellow to 
the eye, that I cannot compare any other beast to them. I may 



BEEF CATTLE. 289 

be prejudiced in their favor — perhaps I am — but the oftener I 
look at them, and the more minutely I compare them with other 
breeds of cattle, the letter I like them* 

"The Highlander is so small I do not take him into view in this 
comparison. His live weight, I should think, is from 700 to 900 
pounds, as the extremes of steers brought to market. The best 
of them are as near perfection of form as you can imagine — 
exactly like a small, well bred south-down sheep, in comparison 
to other sheep. The heads and horns are fine, eyes bright and 
prominent, face dished, and small muzzles, with large nostrils — 
better in the crops than any other animal, being as full and 
round as the very best of others over the shoulders, and preserv- 
ing this fullness and roundness much further on each side of the 
back-bone towards the hips. I wish I had had time to see one 
cut up by a butcher — as I had not — as he must carry an extra 
nice, lean, tender, juicy piece along the back. The brisket is 
equal to the best short-horns, for their size, and they are as well 
let down in the twist as the best south-down sheep. The hair is 
soft and long, so you may judge what a nice little beast he is — 
in fact, to other cattle, what an Arabian is to other horses. You 
cannot improve him by a short-horn cross. Select the best and 
improve them by themselves, is the true way. As to the colors 
of the different herds of Highlands I saw, I should think two- 
thirds were black; most of the others a light yellow, slightly 
inclined to dun, or light mouse color. I prefer the yellow, and 
have no doubt but they handle best; at any rate, they are the 
handsomest to my eye, and with continued selection, might be 
soon bred of that color almost entirely. 

"Of the polled Scotch black — Galloway or Angus — the best 
do not weigh more than about two hundred pounds over the 



* Ever since he knew them, Mr. A. has been an enthusiastic admirer of the short- 
horns.— L. F. A. 

13 



290 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Highlanders, as I judge, and they approach them in perfection 
of form. 

"The short-horn crosses were the most numerous of British 
cattle the Monday I was there ; Herefords were next, then Dev- 
ons, one of which was very perfect, except in the twist, (and 
that was a good point with him,) almost as much so as the 
Highlanders. They stood near together, and I had, therefore, a 
good opportunity to compare them. Of the polled, and High- 
landers, only a few were present. The rest were made up with 
some good South Devons, or Suffolks, and various colored beasts, 
not worth particularizing. The Smithfield club show, I fancy, 
is now the only true one to fairly judge of English and Scotch 
cattle. They are then all brought together in their perfection.* 

"The calves brought here, were nearly all short-horn crosses, 
and from two to four months old. The sheep were very fine, 
mostly long-wooled, and south-down, and their crosses, and 
incomparably superior to the ragged trumpery called "mutton" 
common in our American markets. The pigs have changed 
almost entirely since I was here in 1841. Then they were 
mostly thin, slab-sided, long-legged, long-eared brutes. Now 
they are mostly all Neopolitan, Suffolk, Essex black, and Berk- 
shires. Of the latter, many are of the old original color — sandy 
or reddish yellow, with black spots. All the above varieties 
were good; some very fine and perfect. I still prefer the Berk- 
shire, as they have the best, largest, and most meaty hams, the 
broadest backs, roundest barrels, and best shoulders. In fact, they 
are the best farmer's swine ever known in England. They can- 
not be improved. 

"I left London the following Wednesday, for Liverpool, over 
two hundred miles. As I noticed the cattle along the way, 
three-fourths of these were short-horn crosses, the remainder 

* Some of our cattle cuts show what the different breeds are at the Smithfield club 
exhibitions.— L. F. A. 



BEEF CATTLE. 291 

were Herefords, Scotch, — being far North of the Devon districts 
— and common natives, indicating that the short-horns are rapidly 
becoming the majority of English cattle." 

TRANSPORTATION OF STOCK TO MARKET. 

In all parts of the country penetrated by railways, cattle are 
now transported, from the nearest station to which they are kept, 
in cars. It is the readiest, and cheapest mode of getting them 
to market, and when under proper regulation, they lose less flesh, 
and go in better condition than by any other way. Still, owing 
to want of proper conveniences in many places, cattle often 
suffer loss of flesh, and are liable to frequent accident. But, so 
important to the earnings of the roads has this traffic become, 
and the competition between the various lines so great, that good 
accommodations for the cattle and drovers, are rapidly becoming 
established on all the main competing lines — so much so, indeed, 
that a comparison between the earlier and latter modes of trans- 
portation, is wonderful, in their improvement. 

Crowded into the cars, as they must of necessity be, and 
standing on their feet throughout the passage, no cattle, or other 
animals, should be more than twenty-four hours between their 
feeding stations and yards; and those yards, in every way, 
should be commodious, dry in all weathers, and comfortable, 
where the stock can have perfect rest, good shelter, abundant 
forage, and pure water for any time they may remain there. 

RAILWAY CATTLE YARDS. 

The most commodious, and best systematized cattle yards we 
have yet seen, are those which have been recently erected at 
Buffalo, where the New York Central, the Lake Shore, and Erie 
Rail Roads center, and discharge and take on their stock. The 
yards cover many acres; are thoroughly floored with plank, and 
paved with stone, enclosed with tight and high fences, laid out 
in broad alleys, with sufficient gates and outlets, and will hold 



292 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

from two hundred down to fifty cattle each, as the various lots, 
in numbers, may require accommodation. These yards are all 
supplied with racks and mangers for feeding, troughs for water 
ing, (the water being let in from aqueducts,) and well roofed 
over head, with abundant room for the animals to lie down and 
rest at pleasure. Hay and grain barns are conveniently situated 
on the premises, and the forage, accurately weighed and brought 
in on wagons, distributed at any and all hours when demanded. 
The rail tracks run close on two sides of the yards, for ingress 
and egress, as occasion may demand. Everything relating to 
the comfort and convenience of stock of every description, is 
compact and commodious, with perfect safety to animals, and their 
keepers, and the dispatch of whatever business relates to them. 
Several thousand cattle, besides swine, and sheep, weekly, are 
thus entered and distributed, with less labor and inconvenience 
than a third of the numbers could be in a common yard, and 
under the ordinary management so long practiced with the old 
and less matured system, under which the business has hereto- 
fore been managed. 

The most extensive sale cattle yard in the world, excepting, 
possibly, the Islington yards at London, England, is at Chicago, 
Illinois, largely the greatest live stock market in America. The 
yards and their appurtenances of offices, banking houses, hotels, 
barns, stables and feed depositories constitute a small city of 
itself. The weekly sales and purchases there are to an enormous 
amount, and the cattle arriving come hundreds, even thousands 
of miles from the great breeding and feeding ranges of Western 
States and Territories, chiefly bound to widely dispersed eastern 
markets, even to shipboard for European destinations. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



WORKING OXEN. 



Indispensable for draft in many laborious occupations, aside 
from farm work, the ox is quite as valuable in aiding our indus- 
try, as the horse. We have read much that has been written on 
the comparative economy of ox and horse labor on the farm, and 
elsewhere, without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion, other 
than that circumstances must control the employment of either 
to the exclusion of the other, or that they may both be profit- 
ably used in different labors. On rough and stony soils, the ox 
is almost indispensable in farm labor, while he is there more 
profitable than the horse. In various other labors of draft, as 
lumbering, mining, and on roads, in certain localities, he is equally 
available, and more economical. 

His advantages are, cheapness in cost; easy to keep; simpli- 
city, as well as cheapness in his gear; patience, and endurance 
under labor; less liability to accident; safety against loss, or 
straying when turned to pasture ; and, when done as a worker, 
the conversion of his carcass into beef. All know his value who 
have need of his labor ; yet, but a part of those who employ 
him, are aware of his greatly increased value under proper treat- 
ment. No laboring beast is so much abused — not excepting the 
mule — as the ox. His patience, endurance, and fidelity under 
rough usage, gives him many a hard and neglectful master, who 
sins either through ignorance or brutality, against the generous 
nature of the brute, when care and kindness would add both to 
his utility, and profit. 



294 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

A working ox, according to his necessities, should be as well 
fed, groomed, and sheltered, as a horse, and his labor would be 
as much better for it. We have seen many a well kept yoke 
of oxen, that would do as much ordinary farm labor as a pair 
of horses, with much less expense of keep, and not a tithe of the 
wear and tear of gearing. But the great drawback with almost 
every farmer, where himself cannot direct the labor, is the diffi- 
culty of finding good drivers. As the ox goes without a rein, he 
is directed by the word, and the motion of the whip, or goad. 
He is slow in movement, incapable of being hurried, yet, when 
well trained, is obedient to command, and always equal to any 
reasonable requirement. It requires some skill to drive an ox 
well, as it does a horse, and as long as brainless men exist, who 
care for nothing but to get through the day, and take in their 
own provender while at service, we may despair of much reform 
in the management of ox labor. 

REARING, MATCHING:, AND TRAINING. 

None but likely, thrifty, well built steers, should ever be kept 
for working, and no different treatment in calf hood is required 
than with other young farm stock. They should be castrated at 
any time not exceeding six months old, to give them a truly ox 
like character when grown — a stag being always uncouth in 
appearance, and less saleable. A pair of steers, intended for 
matching, should be as near alike in breed, in looks, color, tem- 
per, and action, as possible, as these qualities add much to their 
selling value ; and uniformity in temper and action make them 
more valuable in labor. Training may be commenced at any 
age, after six months, with a small yoke ; and small boys, when 
they take a fancy to such work, can do it as easily as a grown 
man. We know that all farmers cannot well do this at that 
early age of the calves, but where circumstances admit, it is less 
labor to train them at an early age than when older. They are 
less liable to injury, and more tractable. 



WORKING OXEN. 295 

"With older steers, at the age of two or three years — and they 
should not exceed three — they should be handled separately, and 
be tied side by side in a stall, or under a shed, if possible, and 
made gentle. The yoke should be first put upon them in the 
stall, that they may become accustomed to it, and know what it 
means ; or if oxen of suitable size, already broke, be at hand, 
they may be yoked and gently used with them. When once 
accustomed to the yoke, a chain may be hooked into its ring, and 
they may be gently driven around the yard — gentleness, and 
docility, being always practiced with them. We have seen pro- 
fessed "steer breakers," who could break a yoke of "wild three 
year olds " in a day, and called them fit to work ; but turn them 
loose for a day or two, and the steers forget it all, and are as 
unbroken as ever. Steady, persistent training for some days, is 
necessary to let them know what is wanted of them, and gentle, 
every day labor must be practiced for weeks before they can be 
trusted. The various manipulations of guiding them to the right 
or left, and backing, must be managed by a practiced teamster, 
for no written instructions will learn a raw hand to break a yoke 
of steers. There are several good methods to do this work, and 
every "teamster" is apt to think his own way the best. 

The yoke should always be well fitted to the neck, and of proper 
crook, and size — the bows of proper shape, one and a half to two 
and a quarter inches in diameter, according to the size of the steer, 
or ox, well fitted to the breast and shoulders, and every thing so 
arranged as to work easy, and permit the steer to give bis full 
strength in a pull. The same care and judgment should be exer- 
cised in the labor, feeding, watering, and cleaning a yoke of oxen, 
as with a span of horses. They require less care, indeed, but 
what care they do need should be as freely given, and it will be 
attended with quite as profitable results. A team of well grown, 
well matched, and well trained oxen, is a noble sight, and every 
one who owns them, and properly values them, feels an honest 



296 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

pride in their possession. "When he no longer needs their labor, 
they are always saleable at a good price. An ox team should 
never be overworked, especially when young. They cannot 
endure heat, particularly in the spring of the year and hot sum- 
mer weather, so well as the horse, and their work in those seasons 
should be spared in the middle of the day. At five to six years 
old the ox is in his prime, and so continues until nine or ten ; but 
he seldom feeds so well after passing eight years, and is better to 
be turned out and fatted at that age, or earlier, after the spring 
farm work is over. 

As to the best kinds for working oxen, we have said enough 
in our remarks on the various breeds, in previous chapters. Many 
excellent work steers may be selected from the native cattle ; but 
an infusion of Deven, or Hereford blood, improves them; and 
where great size and extraordinary power is required, grade 
short-horns frequently make patient, honest workers. If the 
farmer wants them only for his own use, so that the pair have 
size, temper, and action alike, it is little matter what be the 
breed, provided they be of good form and substance. They 
will answer well his own purposes, and feed off profitably, at last. 
It is a business with some farmers, where working oxen are in 
demand and much used, to pick up, match, and break steers for 
sale, and when they have a taste and genius for it, it is profita- 
ble, as much so, perhaps, as any other commerce in cattle. In 
such vicinities, breeding steers, for that purpose, may well be 
worthy of attention. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



CATTLE FOOD THE GRASSES. 



The discussion of a subject so simple as proper food for cattle, 
may be thought superfluous. In some localities, it would be so. 
But when we have the power, in most cases, to measurably con- 
trol both our summer and winter forage, it is worth attention. 

The most natural summer food for neat stock of all kinds, is 
grass, and in winter, hay. We have grasses in great variety — 
both natural, and cultivated. The natural grasses of all dry 
lands, which hold a firm sod, north of 35° latitude, are such as 
cattle like, and thrive on; and on some of the moister lands, not 
absolutely swampy, they are also good. Our wild prairie lands, 
of the "Western States, yield several kinds of native grasses, and 
some of them, when young, or in their prime, are of great excel 
lence, both in their fattening, and milk producing qualities. AL 
our cleared forest lands, of any fertility, produce a spontaneous 
growth of pasture grasses, as the spear, or June grass, and white 
clover, those being their usual production, and more or less inter- 
mixed with occasional patches, when moist, of fowl-meadow, 
and red-top. We call these natural grasses, because when the 
land is free from the plow, whether their seeds be sown or notj 
they naturally work in, and appear indigenous to the soil, what- 
ever may be its geological formation. How the seed, to produce 
them, gets there, is not now the question. At all events, the 
grasses grow. They are our best pasture grasses, and can 
13* 



298 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

scarcely be improved when well established, although other kinds 
may assist in making up a variety, and filling the surface with 
a compact, well rooted turf. 

We say these grasses grow, irrespective of the geological com- 
position of the soil. They do so, but not in equal luxuriance in 
some formations, that they do in others. For instance : In strong 
limestone soils of great richness, as in the clayey loams of some 
of our States, the June, or spear grass, by its luxuriance, has 
taken the distinctive name of "blue grass." Of this, there are 
two varieties, classed by the botanists aspoapretensis, an&poacom- 
pressa; the former, deeper in color, is the "blue grass" proper; 
the latter, lighter in shade, and somewhat earlier in ripening, is 
sometimes called " green grass," and both are about equally 
nutritious. The compressa is known by the stalk being flat at 
the joints, while the other is round. So marked a character has 
the poa pretensis taken from the rich limestone soils on which it 
luxuriates, as to be, by many, supposed a distinct variety, and 
frequently called "Kentucky" blue grass; while all that Ken- 
tucky has done, is to give it a marked superiority of growth, 
on its strong limestone land. That superior growth and quality 
is equally given by all soils, of the same distinctive character, in 
other States, or Territories. The white clover — trifolium repens — 
is almost always its companion in the more northern latitudes, 
and only in less amount where the richer quality of the soil 
pushes the blue grass into a more luxuriant preponderance. 

Where land has been some years laid down, other grasses 
work in, and on analyzing the products of an acre of old pasture, 
several varieties may be found, all nutritious; but the poa's are 
usually the best. 

These various grasses, intermixed, are the very best for mak- 
ing either milk, or beef. They seldom, or never need breaking 
up, or re-seeding on dry lands, and as a rule, the older the pas- 
tures, the better and more nutritious the feed. They are good 



CATTLE FOOD. 299 

from early spring to late autumn, and if kept ungrazed during 
the latter summer and autumn, where the ground is bare of snow, 
and the climate mild, make an excellent winter forage, equal, per- 
haps, to the best of hay. 

Beside these, there are varieties of local grasses, which grow 
spontaneously in different parts of the country, quite nutritious 
in substance, and on which cattle thrive well. The quality of 
such grasses has only to be tested by use, to determine the 
policy of retaining them. Timothy, and red clover, usually 
sown together for heavy crops, make palatable pasturage for cat- 
tle, but are less relished, unless when young and fresh. When 
closely cut, for hay, they are longer in making a new growth than 
the pasture grasses we have described. They fail in making a close 
turf, like the others, but add to the variety of a well stocked pas- 
ture, and, to a certain extent, are desirable. So it is with the 
orchard grass, and some other varieties, that are sometimes mixed 
with them. 

Many of the prairie grasses are valuable while in their spring 
and summer growth. There are none whatever on which, early 
in the season, stock thrive so rapidly as on some of these. We 
have known instances in which cattle, actually "on the lift," from 
their wretched winter fare, turned upon them early in the season, 
have become fair beef in six or eight weeks. They are wonder 
fully nutritious, both in flesh, and milk. But the difficulty with 
these grasses is, as they ripen, they grow woody, and tough, thus 
becoming distasteful to the cattle, and the early autumnal frosts 
kill them utterly, when all their nutritive quality is destroyed. 
By close and continuous feeding from year to year, they grad- 
ually die out, and the land works into the "tame" grasses. The 
plowing and thorough cultivation of the land, destroys the wild 
grass altogether, and then, with seeding, other and better kinds 
quickly take their place. We have already referred to the native 
grasses far West, and South, on which the buffalo ranges, which 



300 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

may become of immense value to future cattle herds; but of them 
too little is, as yet known, to speak definitely. 

FULL FEED AND WATER. 

For the greatest benefit to grazing stock, the pasturage should 
always be abundant. When a bullock, or cow, has to work, by 
continuously ranging over a broad surface to glean its food, they 
cannot be expected to get fat, or yield much milk. A "full bite," 
to the beast, is the only profitable way of feeding. Cattle love 
rest. Any creature should be able to fill itself in two or three 
hours' time, and then lie down and ruminate. Water, too, 
should always be handy. When they can get water at will, cat- 
tle usually drink three, or four, times a day, when at pasture. 
Many people suppose that if they are let out of a dry pasture 
twice a day, and conducted to water, that is sufficient. Not so. 
Cattle have little forethought, and cannot, as men do, anticipate 
a want which may occur an hour or two hence, and provide for 
it in advance. We have seen a herd driven out in the early 
part of the day to water, and many of them would not touch it, 
and in two hours afterward they would be lowing about the 
fences, gates, or bars, in distress for water, and not obtaining it, 
they suffered throughout the day, eating little, or nothing, until 
the next watering hour arrived, and then drinking so inordinately 
as to injure and disarrange all their digestion. Men may say 
that cattle will become habituated to such stated watering, by 
practice. They may, to some extent ; but any one who will try 
the two methods, of giving them water at will, or only at certain 
hours, once or twice a day, will soon perceive the difference in 
their condition of flesh, or yield of milk. 

SHADE IN PASTURES. 

We have heard from experienced and successful graziers and 
dairymen, different opinions, of both the advantages and disad- 
vantages of shade in pastures. One advocates the presence of 



CATTLE FOOD. 301 

trees, either singly, or in groups, under which the cattle can lie, 
or stand when at rest, thus screening them from the heats of the 
sun, besides adding to their thrift and enjoyment, as where shade 
abounds, there the cattle gather, and enjoy it. The other would 
strip every tree from his pasture grounds, contending that in the 
heat of the day, when the grass is dryest, and most nutritious, 
they can feed heartily and more to their benefit, and rest at 
night — the proper time for it. As to flies, they trouble the cattle 
less in sunshine than shade; the cattle, when shade is in the field, 
lie there all day, and feed only at night and morning, when the 
grass is wet with dew; it is then " washy," and less nutritious 
than when dry and only moistened by its own sap. 

Whether this last be a real, or only a fanciful theory, we do 
not decide. The cattle themselves being judges, we should call 
it only a fancy, for it is certain they love the shade during exces- 
sive heats, as they do the sun in excessive cold. 

There is another question concerning the land, however, worthy 
of consideration, in stripping it altogether of shade trees. They 
add much to the pastoral beauty of the landscape, and in the 
estimation of most men, to its value. Who, of any taste in the 
attractions of a fine landed estate, would permit a farm to be 
denuded of its majestic trees, or woody clumps of shade, for the 
mere fancy that his herds would gain a few more pounds of 
flesh, in their summer pasturage? Scarce one in a hundred. 
No; let the trees, singly, and apart, or gracefully grouped in 
their own free luxuriance stand, a shelter to the herds, and a 
pleasant spectacle to their possessor — a "most living landscape" 
in its summer repose. 

CHANGE OF PASTUEE. 

This is also a subject of controversy. Some contend that it 
is better for stock to have frequent change from stale to fresh 
feed during the grazing season. Its utility will depend some- 
what upon the varieties of grass which the pastures contain 



302 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

and the convenience of the proprietor. Small fields are more 
expensive in fences than larger ones, because there are more of 
them to build and keep in repair. That item, therefore, is an 
inconvenience. A sudden change of diet with cattle, always, to 
some extent, deranges their stomachs, and bowels. Taken from 
shorter, or dryer grass, and put on to flush herbage, is apt to 
scour them, and while under such operation, the fattening beast 
loses flesh, or at least does not gain it, and the cow loses in her 
usual flow of milk. This we have known from repeated trials. 
Not that animals should not be changed from poor feed to better; 
but whether, in the small fields which are to keep them through 
the grazing season, and with an abundance of feed, it is not 
better to let them range over all of them at will, and enjoy the 
whole of it as they choose. 

We incline to the latter. Cattle are quite local in their attach- 
ments. They best like the places to which they are accustomed. 
They also like a variety in their food. Large fields usually offer 
a greater variety than small ones, and almost every day they 
seek that variety. For twenty-five years past, we have had a 
pasture of more than a hundred acres in a single field, in which 
we have grazed cattle, horses, and sheep. In that pasture are 
different elevations, most of it being dry upland, covered with 
blue grass, white clover, and other mixed grasses; some lower 
grounds, growing red-top, and fowl-meadow; some lowland 
copses of wood, and undergrowth of bushes, and rank, wild 
grasses interspersed; and a range of marsh by a river shore, 
covered with a rank growth of sedge grass. Almost daily, 
throughout the season, the cattle range over every part of that 
field, feeding in every quarter on which they roam, and fre- 
quently leaving the highest, sweetest grass, to fill themselves 
from the coarse, and what we would deem the least palatable, 
herbage of the marsh, or woods. It is certain that they like 
this variety, or they would not indulge in it; and had they been 



CATTLE FOOD. 303 

confined to either alone, would have hankered after the other. 
We admit that some of the grass where cattle continuously feed, 
by being much trodden over and laid upon, becomes soiled, and 
distasteful for the time, but the next rain washes it off, and it 
becomes palatable as ever. Cattle, in their tastes, are somewhat 
like men, and as those accustomed to the highest luxuries, like, 
occasionally, a lunch of brown bread, with a smoked herring, 
and partake of it with great relish, so cattle, from the choicest 
blue grass and white clover, love to plunge into the coarser 
grasses, or browse the green leaves from the tangled brushwood. 
Our impression is, that the experience of both graziers and dairy- 
men is growing in favor of the larger pastures without change, 
to the smaller ones with frequent alternations — provided the 
grasses be equally abundant. 

WINTER FORAGE, AND CARE OF NEAT STOCK. 

A foreign traveler, accustomed to the economical methods of 
feeding and caring for cattle among the densely populated nations 
of Europe, would, in his examinations of our general American 
ways of stock feeding in winter, suppose us to be the most neg- 
ligent, careless, and wasteful people on earth. And he would 
not be far out of the way — in that particular. 

It is true, we have a great many painstaking, economical 
farmers among us, who not only raise good cattle, but take pains 
to secure proper forage for them, feed them enough of it, and 
provide for their comfort by way of shelter, whenever needed. 
In contrast to them, however, the common rule, particularly in 
the newer States, is quite the reverse. A quantity, more or less, 
of bad conditioned hay, corn fodder, or straw, is stacked upon 
the premises, around barns, or sheds, and in a great many cases, 
in the yards, or fields of the farm, without artificial shelter of 
any kind. To these stacks the stock are driven, when the snows, 
or storms of approaching winter compel them to be fed. The 



304 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

cattle come up in such condition as they may happen to be from 
the fullness, or scantiness of the summer and fall pastures, young, 
and old, good, bad, and indifferent mixed together. The fodder 
is pitched from the stacks, and strewn over the yards, or fields — 
or what is worse, the stacks themselves left to be foraged upon 
by the cattle running loose around them. Much of the food is 
trampled into the mud, or slush of snow and water lying around, 
and altogether lost. Some of it is eaten by the ravenous animals, 
as they hunch, hook, and drive each other away from a cleaner 
morsel before them, while all the time they are subjected to the 
changes, vicissitudes, and severities of every storm that occurs, 
through a tedious winter of several months. The consequence 
of all this is, that through irregularity of feeding, and careless- 
ness in distributing their food, and want of shelter, the cattle 
lose flesh every day, and be their condition what it may on 
coming into winter quarters, they go out "spring poor," or "on 
the lift," with no growth whatever in the young stock, and just 
about strength enough in such as have survived their wretched 
poverty of condition, to crawl out into their spring pastures ! 

This may be thought an overdrawn statement; but it is no 
exaggeration of numberless instances which have occurred under 
our own eye. Surely no practice can be worse than this for 
the welfare and comfort of the poor suffering cattle, nor for 
the profit of the farmer. There is no profit in it. Land so 
stocked and managed, pays little, or nothing, and cattle so 
utterly neglected can be of little value. No goodness of quality 
can be expected in them, while disease, arising from neglect and 
poverty, is always making inroads on their numbers. Every 
spring, our cattle markets are filled with the wretched rubbish 
driven from such herds. We have seen thousands of them 
annually, at our large railway cattle yards, and the wonder is 
that they find purchasers at any price above absolute ruin to 
their owners. 



CATTLE FOOD. 305 

We have only touched upon this sorry phase of cattle wintei- 
ing, to condemn it as both cruel to the beasts, and unprofitable 
to the keepers of them. 

WHAT WINTER FEEDING AND CARE OF STOCK SHOULD BE. 

Good hay and plenty of it, is, no doubt, the most available and 
convenient winter feed for stock cattle, in our hay producing 
States. For fattening beef, and making milk, other foods are to 
be added; but those are not now in the exact order of discussion. 
Hay, too, in a grass country, is altogether the cheapest. In the 
wide Indian corn regions of the South and West, where that 
grain is largely raised, and the stalks properly cured, they furnish 
an amount of good forage; and clean, bright straw, when neces- 
sity compels it, is a rather poor substitute for either; but cattle 
will scarce hold their own upon straw alone, much less thrive. 
Some farmers believe, or act as though they do, that if a creature 
can get through to its spring pasture, with half as much flesh on 
its bones as it carried into winter quarters, it is doing well. 
That is a much mistaken idea, for in such condition, its winter 
growth is lost, and it takes half the summer to recover it. 
There is no truer adage, than that "a beast well summered, is 
half wintered; and well wintered, is half summered." 

The hay most generally preferred for that puropse is timothy, 
with a sprinkling of red clover in it — if cut in the right time — 
which, in timothy, is just at coming into its blue, or first bloom, 
and before the succeeding white bloom passes. In the first 
stage, the seed is in its milk, and the stalks and leaves in their 
full succulence. It then requires more drying in the field after 
being cut, and is better for milk cows, calves, and young stock. 
In the white bloom, the seed is glazing and ripening; the stalks 
and leaves are at full maturity ; the sap is concentrated, and the 
grass has more substance, yet quite as profitable for steers, and 
dry cows. When fully ripe, and the seed begins to fall, the grass 



306 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

becomes hard, and woody, and loses a part of its nutritive, as 
well as palatable quality. Still, if delayed cutting until that 
time, it is valuable, and should not be lost. Blue grass, white 
clover, and red-top, if cut before their seeds ripen, make quite as 
good cattle hay as timothy. Fowl-meadow, bent, and orchard 
grasses, make quite tolerable stock hay. As a rule, all grasses 
should be cut before going out of bloom, and well, but not too 
much cured. Much hay is spoiled by over drying. When early 
cut, the hay should be thoroughly wilted, and then thrown into 
winrow, or cocked, where, according to the weather, it may 
remain for twenty-four to thirty-six hours. It will then suffi- 
ciently cure for housing, and the sooner it is put in barn, or stack, 
or barrack, the better. Later cut hay will cure more readily, 
and may oftentimes, when cut in the morning, be carried in 
during the afternoon. The judgment of the farmer must regu- 
late all this. Salting hay, to assist in the curing, we think of no 
account, and never practice it, as it does little to preserve green 
hay, without putting on so much as to spoil it for fodder. We 
prefer giving salt to the stock, by itself, at the proper times, than 
to put it in their hay. Field grown corn fodder, to be at its 
best, should be cut up and shocked when the grain is fairly 
glazed, so as to ripen without molding. It is then fresh, succu- 
lent, and nutritive. Every frost, while standing uncut in the 
field, injures the stalks as fodder; and although it makes a tol- 
erable winter forage, when allowing the stock to gather it for 
themselves, half its nutriment is gone. But, circumstances often 
compel this practice of so leaving it, and it need not be further 
discussed. 

WINTER FEEDING, BARNS, AND SHEDS. 

Living in the latitude of 43° north, we believe in barns, and 
sheds, for all kinds of farm stock alike; and so we would if in 
tho latitude of 37°, — anywhere, in fact, where snow lies on the 
ground for three davs at a time, and the Fahrenheit thermometer 



CATTLE FOOD. 307 

holds, for any length of time, as low as 20° above zero. Sudden 
alternations of heat and cold affect cattle- as they do men, — not 
to the same extent as they do the latter, but measurably so. 
Cattle eat much more in a low temperature than a high one, and 
are subject to take cold with sudden changes of the weather. 
Fat cattle are less affected by sudden changes of weather than 
lean one3, but those changes do affect them more than we are 
usually aware. In view of these facts, we consider it sound 
economy for every cattle breeder, grazier, and stall-feeder, to pro- 
vide good barns, stables, and sheds for the winter keeping and 
feeding of his stock. The arrangement of these is a branch 
rather foreign to our general subject, and may better belong to 
farm architecture than this; embracing also the management of 
manures, and various other matters belonging to the department 
of farm husbandry; yet, we may safely give a few hints con- 
cerning them. 

We believe that in any part of the country where prepared 
winter forage is required for farm stock, it will pay the farmer 
for building barns, stables, and sheds for his store cattle during 
the winter. For dairy cows, tight barns and stables are indis- 
pensable everywhere, and we are happy to say that the latter 
are almost everywhere found in well managed dairies. We 
believe it sound economy to provide such shelters. In the 
barns, aside from storing the fodder and grain, the stables may 
be cheaply arranged, with sufficient mangers for feeding. Two 
cattle may stand in a stall, six to seven feet wide, according to 
their size, and each animal tied to his own side of it, with space 
for the feeder to go between; or -stanchels, without partitions, 
may be used, if preferred. The food may be thrown into the 
manger in front, and the corn stalks, as drawn in from the field, 
cut off just above the ear. (The stalk, below the ear, is worthless 
for fodder.) This cutting may be rapidly done by a knife, some- 
thing like a butcher's cleaver, though lighter, by laying the 



308 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

stalks on a block, or better, in a cutting machine. The beasts 
may be bedded with straw, and quantities of the best manure 
made. Thus the cattle are kept snug, and warm, while in good 
weather thej can range in the yards through a part of the day, 
and take their water at pleasure. 

Sheds may be built eight, ten, or twelve feet high, with good 
mangers in the rear, for their hay, or corn fodder, and open in 
front, to go out and in at pleasure. So with calves, only their 
accommodations should be closer, and warmer. We are aware 
that long practice, cheap lands, and low prices for grain, have led 
the mass of our Western farmers to think all this preparation 
useless; but they will come to it at last, and wonder they had 
not known it before. Thrift in their stock, and a saving in the 
expenditure of their forage, will soon solve the question of its 
superior economy, as also in the lightened labor of taking care of 
them, and the retention of stores of manure, which is every- 
where valuable, though not now appreciated. If, to the housing 
of their cattle, sufficient roofing to protect their stores of hay, 
and grain, is added, an equal advantage will be found in it. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

SUMMER FOOD FOR DAIRY COWS. 

Every owner, or keeper of a cow for milk purposes, wants a 
good one. At least, that is what they inquire for, when purchas- 
ing her for either family or dairy use — one yielding a large quan- 
tity of rich milk, good in creamy quality. The possession of 
such a cow accomplished, the owner has a fair start, so far as the 
capital invested in the creature herself is concerned. But there 
is another item quite as important connected with the product 
to be obtained from her ; and that is, her food. 

Let the milk-producing faculties of the cow be ever so good, 
those faculties will fail if the requisite food, both in quality, and 
quantity, be withheld from her. The manufacturer or machinist 
may have the best propelling power in the world with which to 
work his machinery, but if he have a scant supply of water with 
which to drive his wheel, or is short of fuel to make the required 
amount of steam for his engine, his power in both cases fails, 
and a portion of his capital expended in the construction of his 
machinery is lost. It is so with the cow. She may be so ana- 
tomically and physiologically constituted, as to yield the greatest 
possible production of milk, of which her nature is capable, 
but to obtain that production an abundance of the proper food 
must be given. 

The cow is simply a piece of animal machinery, composed of 
stomach, lungs, viscera, milk secretions and udder, so far as her 
dairy quality is concerned, and that machinery will not work to 



310 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

its full power, without the necessary food and care to keep it in 
action. We are satisfied that one-fourth to one-half the profit 
which might be drawn from our American cows, is annually lost 
to their keepers by a want of the necessary quantity, and the 
proper quality, of food which should be given to them, and con- 
sequently a considerable portion of the capital invested in their 
purchase, or value, is thus unproductive ; and that only from the 
short supply of food, and want of care given to them. A good 
family, or dairy cow, without regard to her breed, anywhere in 
the United States, and at any time, is worth fifty, to seventy- 
five dollars. Such a cow will produce 600 to 800 gallons of 
milk, or 200 to 250 pounds of butter, or 500 to 600 pounds of 
cheese in a year, and possibly more — if properly fed; or, she 
may produce but half those quantities of each, or either, if 
scantily fed. In both cases, the original cost, or value of the 
cow is the same ; the care is, or should be, nearly the same, while 
all the loss in her production is caused by the inadequacy of her 
food, a full supply of which would be but a partial percentage 
added to the cost of poor feeding. This we think a fair state- 
ment. 

Now what shall that food be? Fresh, succulent grass of good 
quality, and as much of it as her digestive powers will consume 
during the grazing season, is the readiest and most natural food 
of the cow, giving her not only the most nutriment, but produc- 
ing the best milk. Therefore she should have it in unstinted 
abundance. When at pasture, she should not toil for her food. 
She should have it within easy reach, with good water always 
at hand. No matter how active her breed, or habits, the easier 
she obtains her food, with abundant time for rest, the more 
abundant will be her yield of milk, and the greater will be the 
quantity of cheese, or butter, she will make. The judgment of 
her keeper, will determine when the pastures fail in their supply 
of grass, and then other food, as an equivalent, must be given. 



SUMMER FOOD FOR DAIRY COWS. 311 

Fresh growing grass gives quantity of milk; that which is 
riper and dryer gives better quality, or more richness, and per- 
haps an equal quantity of butter, or cheese, from a less amount 
of milk. The particular state of the grass, whether in its most 
sappy, or succulent, or in its dryer, or more matured condition, 
so that the cow have enouyh of it, is of less consequence to the 
cheese and butter dairyman ; but the sale-milk dairyman must 
supply the succulence wanting in the dryer grasses. This must 
be made up in other material, and also, in short pasturage, to the 
other class of dairies, under the head of 

SOILING. 

To many old-fashioned cow keepers, and dairymen, who have 
never practiced any thing but the old jog-trot way of their 
fathers, in the common way of pasturing for summer food, and 
hay feeding at the mangers, or stacks, in winter, this term may 
be startling, as involving an extra outlay of capital and labor alto- 
gether unwarranted. If so, they may as well abandon the busi- 
ness at once, if they intend to compete with the more enterpris- 
ing dairymen of these advancing times, so far as making the most 
profit out of their vocation is concerned. The old hum-drum 
idea of having their work half done, and in the slip-shod, slat- 
ternly way of past generations, must be ignored, and a new 
method introduced. A tidier fashion must be adopted, and more 
skill introduced, as well in feeding the cows as in manipulating 
the milk into butter and cheese. The whole process of keeping 
the cows, milking, and manufacturing it into marketable com- 
modities, must be as thoroughly improved as that of making cloth 
by modern machinery, over the old way of hand-carding, spin- 
ning, and weaving cloth for household uses; and they who are 
unwilling to adopt these better ways, had best at once retire from 
the business, or be content to accept the meagre gains which their 
inferior articles, as well as lack of enterprise will give. 



312 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

The term " soiling," is applied to artificial feeding, when the 
pastures fail. To manage this department properly, due prepa 
ration must be made for enclosing the cows in yards, sheds or 
stables, while taking their prepared food, as well as permitting 
them to have ample range in a larger enclosure near by, that 
they may have plenty of air and exercise in dry weather. No 
better arrangement need be made than to use the winter stables 
for feeding purposes, when soiling, as the cows should always be 
secured in their stalls, morning and night, for milking, through- 
out the dairy season. At these times they can be fed. Open, 
airy sheds, with proper racks or mangers, can also be used for 
the purpose. When milked and fed, they should always, during 
the warm season, be turned out to enjoy the fresher and cooler 
air, as the stables, even if well ventilated, are sometimes too 
warm for them. At noon, or at other times also, — for they 
require feeding at least three times a day, and four or five times, 
even, may not be too much — they can be turned in to receive 
their regular mid-day rations. Water, of course, they are to 
receive at will, outside, if not furnished within. 

This mode of feeding is indispensable, when a full flow of milk 
is required throughout the season, and whenever the pastures 
fail. It will pay, too, in the increased products of the dairy. 
There is no doubt of its economy, also, with all kinds of cattle, 
where land is valuable, as one-third to one-half the same area of 
ground, in the same condition of fertility, will yield an equaj 
quantity of forage, to that fed off by the usual mode of grazing. 
That is to say : one acre of land, well cultivated in good soiling 
crops, will yield as much nutritive food for the cow, as two or 
three common acres will yield in pasture. 

For soiling purposes, ample preparation must be made in the 
spring, that when the pastures fail, if fail they do in any part of 
the grazing season, ihey may be readily resorted to, and if not 



SOILING. 313 

needed, the forage may be secured at its proper time of harvest- 
ing, for winter consumption. 

THE PROPER AND BEST SOILING CROPS, 

We name in the order of their coming in use, viz.: Fall sowed 
rye ; red clover ; orchard grass ; blue, or June grass ; timothy ; 
red-top ; early sowed oats ; millet, or Hungarian grass ; Indian 
corn, sown either broadcast, or in drills — the latter way the 
better. The grains and grasses may be cut at any season when 
necessary, but are most nutritious when just coming into bloom, 
being then in full sap and succulence. After cutting, they should 
lie a few hours before feeding, so that they be partially wilted — 
not dried. Their watery particles are then more consolidated, and 
will not become too washy in the stomach and intestines of the 
cow. The Indian corn may be used at any time after it has 
attained a growth of three or four feet in height, but is best 
when in the tassel, and silk, and the ear is forming. It should 
be cut close to the root, as then every part of the stalk is sweet 
and tender. 

THE BEST KIND OF CORN FOR SOILING. 

We have tried them all, from the tall "gourd seed" of the 
South and West, to the "Canada," and "Nantucket" small yel- 
low "flint," and the garden sweet corn commonly cultivated in 
gardens for the table. Either of the common field growing 
varieties are good. The gourd seed is coarser in the stalk, and 
when grown to tasselling, the stem below the ear is larger, more 
woody in its fibre, and not so palatable or nutritious as the 
smaller varieties. For that reason we prefer the latter, as they 
can be cut close to the root, their smaller, and less woody fibre 
being better liked by the animals fed upon it. 

But by far the best variety is the sweet corn of the gardens. 
We have thoroughly tried it and know the fact. The stalk, from 
the ground upwards, is more nutritious, and as much sweeter to 
U 



314 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

the taste of cattle, as the grain is to the human palate when 
cooked for the table. Even after the ears are plucked for table 
use, if suffered to grow so long, cows will eat the entire stalk 
when cut close to the roots, as we have often tried. Swine, 
so fed, will eat the stalk entire, greatly to their benefit, while 
with other varieties, they seldom eat anything below the setting 
of the ear. The sweet corn is as easily raised as the others ; the 
seed, too, is easily produced, and with no more expense than the 
common field kinds. 

If a trifle of salt be sprinkled on each mess, as fed, it will be 
better. Give the cows all the food they will eat. If the green 
food be too loose in its action on the stomach of the cattle, a 
little mixture of finely cut hay or straw with it, will correct the 
difficulty. It is scarcely necessary to say that the stables should 
be cleaned night and morning, thoroughly ventilated, and every 
thing kept scrupulously neat as when the cows are at pasture. 
A good plan, when cows are soiling, is to turn them, when not 
feeding, into an adjacent, well fenced, mowing field, where the 
hay crop has been gathered, if in season, or on another field 
where their droppings may be useful to enrich it for a coming 
crop, thus saving much labor in removing their manure other- 
wise made in the barn, or feeding yards. 

The system of soiling has long been practiced in Britain, and 
on the European continent, particularly in the neighborhood of 
large cities, for milk dairies, and found to be the most profitable 
mode of summer feeding. Lands, for that purpose, when advan- 
tageously located, frequently rent for $25 to $75 an acre for the 
season. It is becoming much practiced near our own larger 
American cities, where land is high in value, and proximity to 
a good milk market important. It will also tell equally well in 
our cheese and butter dairies, where a continuous full flow of 
milk is necessary. The labor of the soiling process, is not greater 
than that of driving back and forth to pasture, the repair of fences, 



SOILING. 315 

and the interest on their cost. With lean pastures, and a short 
supply of milk, the income from the cow is partially lost, while 
the outlay for all the dairy expenses is the same. Soiling is, 
therefore, a necessity, in most seasons, to a profitable dairy. 

Since writing the foregoing, at our request we have received 
from Mr. E. W. Stewart, of North Evans, Erie Co., N. Y., a 
most valuable article on the summer soiling of stock. "We con- 
sider it so admirable, (although it embraces some items incidental 
to the main one under consideration, yet closely allied to it, and 
well worthy of study by the dairyman, and also the common 
stock farmer,) that we insert it in full. We need hardly add, 
that Mr. S. has proved himself, although for many years practic- 
ing one of the liberal professions, a thrifty and excellent farmer. 

So important a branch of our dairy economy needs all the 
light which we can throw upon it. 

"One of the most difficult problems connected with the agri 
culture of the older settled States, is, how to keep the soil from 
exhaustion? And any system that promises well, in this direc- 
tion, should be carefully examined. The old proverb, ' No cattle 
no manure, no manure no crops,' applies here with great force. 
If soiling, or cutting and feeding green food in summer, enables 
the feeder to maintain, in full condition, more animals on the 
same space of ground than pasturing, then it certainly affords 
him more manure to return to his soil, and so far, makes the 
future prospect of fertility more cheering. The writer has prac- 
ticed the soiling system for over ten years, and is desirous to 
present all its strong points to his fellow farmers. He began 
by soiling his horses, and found the saving so important, and the 
convenience so great, that the next season he experimented with 
his cows and colts likewise. Let us first detail some 

EXPERIMENTS. 

"Three experiments were tried by the writer, in three different 
seasons, to determine how long a certain number of animals 



316 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

could be kept on forty rods, or one-quarter of an acre of ground. 
Let it be premised that the soil is a strong clay, put in fine con- 
dition after twenty years of bad farming — the crop heavy clover, 
just coming into blossom. On the first experiment, seven cows 
and four horses, equal to twelve cows, were fed fifteen days. 
On the second experiment, six cows and five horses were fed 
fourteen days, and on the third, eleven cows were fed sixteen 
days ; in each case upon one cutting of clover, on forty rods of 
ground. It will be perceived, that in each instance, it was equal 
to keeping one cow from one hundred and sixty-eight to one 
hundred and eighty days, or about equivalent to the pasturing 
season for one cow. It is admitted that these crops were much 
above an average, and that forty rods of ground could not be 
regarded as a sufficient allowance to a cow for a season, unless 
the land is in fine condition, and the crop a maximum.* 

"Another and larger experiment was tried in the summer of 
1862, when twenty steers, four years old, seven cows and six 
work horses, equal to thirty -five cows, were soiled from the 20 th 
of May to the 1st of December. No measurement of the exact 
amount of land cut for soiling, was made, but one hundred acres 
were occupied as follows: Ninety acres in timothy grass, five 
acres in timothy and clover, two acres in clover, one acre in oats, 
and two acres in sown corn. Only about four acres of this hun- 
dred were in extra condition, and fifty in poor condition. First, 
the two acres of clover were fed, then the five acres of clover 
and timothy, next the acre of oats, then timothy until it became 
too ripe, next the two acres of corn, and lastly, the second and 
third cuttings of clover. In short, they were fed from this hun- 
dred acres, for six months and ten days, with a surplus of sixty- 
five tons of hay, which were sold for $972. Now, had these 
animals been pastured upon this hundred acres, nothing would 

* On the best of Western grazing lands, if an acre will feed a bullock through th.- 
season, it is considered as remarkably good. — L. F. A. 



SOILING. 317 

nave remained, and the food would have been insufficient in the 
dryest part of the season. These steers averaged 1,100 pounds 
per head, and were good light beef cattle, being then worth only 
three cents per pound, on foot, and cows at that time being 
low, the $972 for which the surplus was sold, would have pur- 
chased the twenty-seven head of cattle, and one of the horses. 
This latter circumstance is mentioned to show how disastrous, in 
this particular case, would have been the results of pasturing. 
But it may be said this case would, perhaps, stand very differ- 
ently if the labor account were stated 1 This point was particu- 
larly cared for in the experiment. It was found that it took 
three men, two hours each day, to do the labor of cutting for, 
and feeding these animals. Wages at that time being only $12 
per month and board, the whole labor account, including board, 
was only $65. This included all, except the use of a horse to 
mow and haul in the grass. We will also deduct the expense 
of cutting and putting in barn, the sixty-five tons of hay, say 
$1.25 per ton, or $71.25, to which add the $65 for labor of 
feeding, and you have $136.25, which, deducted from the $972, 
shows $835.75 as the net profit of this soiling experiment. But 
this is not the full statement of the profits, as there were one 
hundred loads of manure saved, and in the best condition, under 
cover, worth $100 more. And had the land all been in good 
condition, the surplus would have been double. To us, this 
experiment was conclusive, as to the profits of soiling. 

CONDITION OF THE ANIMALS SOILED. 

"The next point to be considered, is the comparative condition 
of the animal, as soiled or pastured. And here, facts, not theory, 
are to be considered. The writer has tried some experiments on 
this point. Five steers and heifers were put into a good pasture 
and kept for three months, during the best part of the pasturing 
season, while others of the same age and condition, at the start, 



318 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

were soiled, and on comparison, at the end of three months, 
those soiled were found in decidedly the best condition. The 
same cows were pastured one season, and soiled the next, and 
their condition was better when soiled than when pastured; and 
uniformly soiling has improved the condition of his animals. 
He has cows that have been soiled for five consecutive seasons, 
and kept in good condition and uniform health. In fact, he 
regards soiling as very conducive to the health of animals, as it 
places always within the power of the feeder, an abundant sup- 
ply of the best food ; while pasturing, frequently affords a large 
supply at one season, and a very meager one at another. And 
to those who are fattening animals for the market, it is of great 
value, as by adding a small quantity of grain to the summer 
feed, they will fatten very fast. Summer is the best time to fat- 
ten animals, for they will fatten in less time, and with one-third 
less grain, than required in winter. It also offers every facility 
for graduating the feed to each animal, according to its condition 
and the object to be attained. A dairyman may prepare a cow, 
he desires to part with, for the butcher, while giving milk, and 
thus save any loss. 

EFFECT OF SOILING UPON THE PRODUCT OF MILK. 

"The experience of the writer is that the cow will average 
one-tenth more milk through the whole season. When the pas- 
ture is fresh and full, and the cow can easily get all she wants, 
she will give as much milk, but soiling enables the feeder to give 
a uniform supply of food, and consequently the flow of milk will 
be more uniform. Some American farmers have estimated the 
increase of milk much greater than the above, and some very 
interesting experiments have just been published by Dr. Rhode- 
Eldena, of the Royal Academy of Agriculture, in Prussia, of 
the comparative yield of milk from cows, by pasturing and stable 
feeding, or soiling, through seven years of each system. The 
pasturing experiment began in 1853, and continued to the end 



SOILING. 319 

of 1859, and stable feeding began in 1860, and ended with 1866. 
From forty to seventy cows were pastured each year. The 
lowest average per cow is 1,385 quarts, in 1855, when seventy 
cows were kept; and the highest, 1,941 quarts, in 1859, when 
forty cows were kept; and the greatest quantity given by one 
cow during the time, was 2,938 quarts. In the stabling experi- 
ment, from twenty-nine to thirty-eight cows were kept, and the 
lowest average per cow is 2,930 quarts, in 1862, when thirty- 
eight cows were kept; the highest, 4,000 quarts, in 1866, with 
thirty-five cows; and the highest 'quantity given by one cow was 
5,092 quarts. The average per cow, for the whole seven years 
in pasturing, was 1,583 quarts, while the average per cow, for 
the seven years of stabling, or soiling, was 3,442 quarts. This 
result is very remarkable, and were it not supported by such 
high authority, would be almost incredible. The explanation is 
to be found, perhaps, in the fact that the owner of the stabled 
herd, Mr. Herman, in 1860, began to discard the poorest milkers, 
and substitute the best Dutch breed. His cows were also fed 
highly in winter, with rye-bran, oil-cake, and sometimes potatoes. 
The yield of the same cow is compared for several years. As a 
sample, cow No. 24 gave, in 1860, 3,293 quarts; in 1863, 4,483 
quarts; in 1865, 4,800 quarts. This shows a regular progress, 
and a high state of feeding, and is most encouraging to the dairy- 
man who wishes, by intelligent feeding, to improve his herd. 
We do not claim all this for soiling, but it is only under this 
system that such a method could be pursued, and the increase 
here, must fairly be set down at fifty per cent., as referable to 
green soiling alone. And we must be considered very modest 
in stating, that the extra product of milk in soiling, will more 
than pay for the labor of feeding. 

SAVING IN FENCES. 

"This question of fences is becoming more and more important 
every year, and soon the fences must be dispensed with, whethei 



320 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

cattle are soiled or pastured. It is now the most onerous tax 
upon agriculture. Let us suppose the dairyman keeping fifty 
cows, and that 150 acres are devoted to pasture. Suppose this 
to be divided into six lots, of 25 acres, each 50 by 80 rods, and 
that it all lies in a body 160 by 150 rods. This would make the 
fencing more than ordinarily economical, and he would have 
1,090 rods of fence. Suppose it to cost $1 per rod,* and that 
it will last twenty years. This will make the first outlay $1,090. 
The interest of which is, $76.30. The average expense for the 
whole period, of keeping it in repairs, cannot be less than five 
per cent., or $54.50 per year, and add to this the loss of capital 
yearly, $54.50, and you have the whole annual expense, $185.30, 
for fencing a pasture adequate to keep fifty cows. Now, this is 
more than enough to pay for the labor of soiling the same ani- 
mals, as one good man, with the proper conveniences, can cut 
for and feed fifty cows. Soiling renders fences useless, except 
to enclose a yard for the animals to exercise in. In fact, it 
would cost less to employ a herdsman, constantly, with the cattle. 
Besides, the fences are always in the way, and are infested with 
foul weeds and bushes, which, by neglect, get distributed over the 
farm. Every farmer will find it a great convenience to be able 
to plow without the obstruction of fences, to drive into and from 
his fields without letting down and putting up bars, or open 
gates, to run his mower and reaper without leaving the corners 
of the fences to be cut by hand. 

"Another item of economy not to be overlooked in dispensing 
with fences, is, the saving of one-half rod of ground where the 
fence stands. This would amount to about three and one-half 
acres, covered by the 1,090 rods of fence. And this land, when 
in good condition, would soil seven cows through the grazing 
season. Thus it appears, by an examination of the facts, that 

* Mr. Stewart, living in a region where wood and lumber are cheap, estimates the 
average expense too low. The expenses of good farm fences cannot be less than 
$1.50 to $3 per rod, according to locality, and the materials of which they are made, 
at the cheapest.— L. F. A. 



SOILING. 321 

the great objection usually urged to soiling animals, namely, the 
extra labor involved, has no foundation, but on the contrary, that 
soiling, in point of labor, is the cheaper of the two systems. And, 
from his experience of ten years, the writer would rather perform 
the labor of soiling fifty cows for a series of years, than to fence 
and pasture them. 

SAVING IN MANURE. 

"This is a most important consideration. 

"1st. It will double the amount of manure from each animal 
kept, as the summer manure will all be saved, and in good con- 
dition to be applied as needed. 

"2d. The saving in land will enable the feeder to keep double 
the number of animals, and, therefore, to produce four times as 
much manure as under the old system. By keeping an increased 
number of animals on the same land, it is evident that the con- 
dition of the soil will be improved, and that this will, when 
fully adopted, prevent the dreaded exhaustion, which those of 
wise forecast, have seen approaching in the not distant future. 

"The value of manure is not appreciated as it should be by the 
farmers of the United States. Johnston informs us that in Flan- 
ders the liquid and solid manure from a cow is valued at twenty 
dollars per year. This would give us the value of the manure 
saved by soiling each cow, ten dollars per season. There can, at 
least, be no doubt that the manure will pay the whole expense 
of soiling. 

SAVING LAND. 

"How the farmer may double his farm without increasing the 
number of his acres, should be a problem of great interest. And 
since the great business of the farmer is in rearing and keeping 
animals, any method which will enable him to keep, in good con- 
dition, two animals where he has kept one before, will come very 
near solving this problem, by showing how the income of the 
farm may be doubled, without any proportionate increase of the 
labor. On most grazing farms of this State, not, more than one 
14* 



322 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

cow is kept to four acres of arable land, and in many cases only 
one to five, and six acres. Three acres of pasture, and one acre 
of good meadow, keep the cow through the year. The fact that 
three times as much land is usually devoted to summering a cow, 
as to wintering her, should, of itself, be quite enough to show 
the wastefulness of the pasturing system. Especially, when it 
is considered that it takes one-eighth more food to keep the same 
animal in cold than in warm weather. Let us compare this with 
soiling. It appears, by the experiments detailed, that land may 
be so fertile, that forty rods of ground will be sufficient to soil a 
cow for the whole pasturing season, but we will not assume so 
extreme a position. If we take twice this amount, or one-half 
acre of fertile land, devoted to soiling crops for each cow, no 
disappointment will result. Then, if one-half acre will soil a 
cow, instead of three acres pastured, we have saved five-sixths 
of the land, or two and one-half acres. This two and a half 
acres will, certainly, soil and winter another cow. But we will 
divide the four acres into two parts, giving each cow two acres, 
and estimate three-fourths of an acre for soiling, and one and a 
fourth acres for wintering the cow. This can, most confidently, 
be relied upon to furnish abundant food, when in good condition, 
to keep a cow through the year. And thus, we see that the 
land usually devoted to a cow, under the pasturing system, is 
abundant, in soiling, to keep two. 

"In fact, the writer has never used so much as two acres in 
good condition, to keep a cow through the year. And as it has 
been shown that the aggregate amount of labor is not increased 
by soiling, it follows, conclusively, that this system, properly con- 
ducted, will double the income of the stock feeder, without any 
increase of his land. 

SOILING CROPS. 

"The field or fields which are to furnish the summer food, 
should be near the place of feeding — and being near the barn, it 



SOILING. 323 

may easily be made fertile, if not originally so. Of the grasses, 
clover will furnish the earliest green fodder. It can usually be 
cut about the 20th of May, — or earlier, or later, according to 
locality — and on moist land, will furnish three or more cut- 
tings. Where winter rye flourishes, it makes an excellent 
soiling crop, and may be cut even earlier than clover, and will 
furnish several cuttings in a season, and, according to Liebig, if 
kept back the first season, by cutting, will mature a crop the 
second summer. On good land it will furnish a large amount of 
food. Oats are also used for soiling. Indian corn sowed at 
times, fifteen days apart from the earliest planting, until the 20th 
of July. Sorghum, on land suited to it — light, warm soil — free 
from weeds, makes a valuable soiling crop, yielding abundantly.* 
But clover and Indian corn must be the principal reliance for 
early and late feed. The writer generally uses clover till timo- 
thy is sufficiently matured; after timothy, early sowed corn; then 
second cutting of clover and sowed corn till freezing weather. 
There is little difficulty in arranging for a regular succession of 
succulent food, from the 20th of Mayf to December. It would 
be well to have one-fourth acre for each cow, in clover, and one- 
fifth acre per cow, in corn, sowed at different periods. The bal- 
ance of the feed can be obtained from the timothy meadows. 
If any fears were entertained of a scanty supply for late autumn 
feeding, more corn might be put in, and the surplus would be ready 
for winter use. 

METHOD OF FEEDING. 

"Different methods may be adopted in summer feeding. The 
yard, — a small field enclosed with a hurdle fence, — the open 
shed, — the stable, — all, or either, may be used as a place for 

* It must be borne in mind, however, that the effects of sweet foods, as sorghum, 
may prove injurious to the conception of breeding cows, as suggested in a previous 
chapter, on barrenness. — L. F. A. 

+ In some sections of our country the green feeding will commence some days or 
weeka earlier. Mr. Stewart dates from his own locality.— L. F. A, 



324 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

feeding. But the stable is preferable for cows. Feed the ani- 
mals in the same position winter and summer. Once a day let 
them out for air and exercise. Give them a small field, or a 
lane, leading to the wood lot, to run in. Being always fed at 
the stable, they will be there at the appointed time. They should 
be fed with perfect regularity, say at six and ten A. m., and at two 
and six p. m., giving air and exercise between ten and two. 
Some prefer more numerous feedings. Mr. Quincy, of Boston, 
Mass., — a strong advocate of soiling, who has had large experi- 
ence, and written a treatise on the subject — recommends six. 
There are good arguments for numerous feedings. Less will be 
fed at a time, and the food will be fresh. A good feeder will 
give no more at each time than the animal eats up clean, and 
with a relish. Too much at a time tends to cloy the animal and 
impair easy digestion. It is better to give less than the appetite 
craves, than more. It is especially necessary to be prudent in 
this particular in summer, as animals are more easily cloyed in 
warm than cold weather. When the clover is first cut for soil- 
ing, and is very green and succulent, it is better to cut and mix 
it with one-fourth the quantity of cut hay, or straw. This cut 
hay, or straw, will absorb much of the moisture and prevent 
bloating, but when more mature, the clover may be fed alone. 
The food should be slightly salted once or twice a week. For 
milk cows, the green food should be fed fresh, and not suffered 
to be much wilted. 

ARRANGEMENT OF ANIMALS. 

"Next, how shall the animals be arranged for feeding? This 
will vary according to the idea of order and convenient arrange- 
ment, entertained by the feeder. Perhaps the method of fasten- 
ing by stanchions, or chain and stanchion, so generally used, is 
the best for holding the animal to its position, and is not found 
to be injurious to the health. They should be so arranged as to 
feed conveniently from the barn floor, and when a large number 



SOILING. 325 

of animals are to be kept, a stable should be on each side of the 
floor, so that a one-horse cart may be used to bring the summer 
food. By this arrangement, there is little more labor in feeding 
fifty, than twenty-five animals in the ordinary way. Then water 
should be convenient. A tank in the yard near the stable; 
more convenient still, pipes arranged for pumping the water in 
front of the animals, so that a man, or power, at the pump, may 
water any number of animals at once. Some barns are so 
arranged that the manure is dropped, by a trap door through the 
floor, into a cellar. This is an economy of labor, and also a great 
saving in manure, as it is kept from all exposure to sun, wind 
and rain. 

"Let us, in conclusion, epitomize the soiling system. There 
are three incidental sources from which the extra labor is more 
than compensated. 

"1st. The extra product of milk, butter, and beef, will pay 
the labor. 

"2d. The manure, being all saved, will more than pay the 
labor. 

"3d. The saving in fences, as we have seen, is a great item, 
and will more than pay the labor. 

"And lastly, the saving in land, when turned to full account, 
will enable the stock feeder to double the net income of his farm. 
That this is a moderate calculation, we have only to look at 
some of the small German States, where eight cows are fre- 
quently kept upon ten acres. There, fences are unknown — all 
animals are soiled, and necessity has compelled economy of 
land ; thus we see the result. American farmers are ever seeking 
for more land — too seldom for greater products. The small 
farmers will find their interest in using the land they have, before 
striving for more, which they do not well cultivate. Tillable 
land, worth even twenty-five dollars per acre, cannot be profit- 
ably pastured. Let the small farmers, at least, try soiling. If 



326 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

they can keep a cow to every acre and a half, or two acres, their 
farms will be, practically, as large as their more favored neigh- 
bors. And when the system is demonstrated by the small, the 
large farmers will adopt it in mortification at the comparison." 

ANOTHER EXPERIMENT. 

Exhaustive as these extended remarks may appear, we add an 
article, which has since come under our notice, from the "Prac- 
tical Farmer," published in Philadelphia, which confirms our own 
opinions, as a tried test, of the benefits of soiling dairy cows in 
summer. The great value of this improved mode of feeding 
will justify its insertion. 

"It is an account of a dairy farm in Chester County, Pa., owned 
and carried on by a merchant in Philadelphia. He began farm- 
ing four years ago, having about one hundred acres of cleared 
land, for which he purchased twelve cows and two heifers. He 
engaged a farmer, who continued in charge two years, and made 
one thousand four hundred and thirty-two pounds of butter the 
first year, and one thousand five hundred pounds the second 
year This was principally from pasture alone, no provisions 
having been made, by growing early rye, corn fodder, or any 
other green food, to keep up a plentiful supply, either early or 
late in the season, when pasture was short, and it is so indispens- 
able, in order to keep up the condition of the cows and their 
milk. The third year, the proprietor undertook the management 
himself, and made two thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight 
pounds of butter; and during the fourth year, ending April 1, 
1867, he made four thousand and fifty-five pounds, having 
increased his stock from fourteen up to twenty head — five of the 
latter, heifers with their first calves. He says : 

"'Now I suppose it will be asked by what management the 
butter was increased from one thousand four hundred and thirty- 
two pounds, to four thousand and fifty-five pounds. There was 



SOILING. 327 

but little change in the stock, almost all of the original cows 
having been retained, and the increase being but three cows and 
three heifers, but the increase in the butter was from twice and a 
half to three times the quantity. The difference in the manage- 
ment was this: My original farmer kept the cows only as I have 
before stated, on pasture; the farm then had nothing grown 
expressly to fodder or soil them with, which was, and is now, 
the custom with many farmers in our country ; neither was there 
any meal fed, except it might be to a cow that had calved early 
in the spring, before the pasture was sufficient to turn out upon; 
also, the cows were permitted to remain out, exposed to cold, wet 
storms, (when they should have been stabled and kept dry,) thus 
early in the season checking the flow of milk, which is after- 
wards difficult to restore. 

"'Early in the season, the young grass, when cows are first 
turned out to pasture, is watery, and tends to make the cows 
scour very much; and although it will in that state increase the 
flow of milk, and also the quantity of butter, yet it will be at 
the expense of the condition of the cow, reducing her in flesh, 
and telling upon her during the whole season. At this time, I 
consider it important that a cow should be fed with ship-stuff, or 
bran and corn meal, mixed night and morning. This not only 
assists in preventing scouring, but by keeping up the condition 
of the stock, increases the quantity of butter to a very consider- 
able extent. My opinion is, that meal fed at this time, pays 
better, certainly as well as at other times during the season, not 
excepting in mid-winter. 

'"lam well satisfied that the condition of the cow, in order to 
obtain from her a full yield, or one that will be profitable, must 
at all times be well looked to. She must be well wintered and 
fed, so that when she comes out of the barnyard in the spring, 
after having calved, she is in good flesh, showing her keep, and 
the care taken of her, and not like what is too much the custom 



328 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

of the country, namely, dry cows, wintered on straw, and no 
shelter except it be the lee side of the barnyard, until the calf is 
dropped, when it is too late, for the poor in flesh cow, to yield 
her full capacity. 

"'A cow should at all times, when milking, be fully supplied 
with meal; not stimulated to excess, however, for that would 
certainly produce reaction afterwards; but she must have a full 
and plentiful supply, at all times, of good food and water. For 
that purpose, I have grown early rye to begin with in the early 
season, before the grass is sufficient to turn out on ; then, after 
harvest, during the dry weather, when the pasture fails, Hunga- 
rian grass, (millet,) to be followed with corn, sowed in drills for 
fodder, which, cut morning and evening, and fed to the stock 
whilst milking, fills them twice a day, and with the pasture, 
makes up all that is required. During the last season, while it 
was necessary to soil with Hungarian grass and corn for fodder, 
we have also fed two quarts of ship-stuff each night and morn- 
ing, as we feel satisfied that, although the Hungarian grass and 
green corn will keep up the yield of milk, yet they will not alone 
make as much butter, as a full supply of pasture or the natural 
grasses. 

" 'I look upon a cow as similar to a steam boiler; no matter 
how good they may be, unless the boiler is well supplied with 
water and good fuel, also well attended to, the supply of steam 
will be short, or it will be in proportion to the fuel and attention. 
So, also, with the cow ; no matter how good she may be, if she 
is not well and plentifully fed and cared for, her product will be 
shortened. 

" 'Another very important matter with cows, is, that they should 
be protected from storms and bad weather. They should be fed 
and kept under shelter when the nights are wet and inclement; 
this more particularly in the early season, when the cow is fresh 
and in full milk; one exposure to a cold, wet night, has fre- 
quently reduced the milk one-half. Also in the fall, when the 



SOILING. 329 

nights become frosty, never let them remain out; be particular to 
stable them ; and in the morning never turn them out on the pas- 
ture until the frost is melted off. by the sun, as nothing, perhaps, 
dries a cow, or reduces her milk, more than eating grass with the 
frost on. To many of these requirements, the generality of 
farmers pay no attention whatever. In the early season, as 
soon as there is any pasture whatever, the cow is turned out of 
the barnyard to eat what she may find, and to remain day and 
night until the winter comes. There is nothing grown or fed to 
eke out the scanty supply of pasturage that almost invariably 
occurs at some time in each season.' " 

Although the writer, in these last two paragraphs, has ex- 
pressed nearly the same views which we have elsewhere given, 
they are recorded as strongly fortifying our own. 

In this somewhat elaborate, and in some of its necessary 
incidental duties, repeated discussion of the benefits of soil- 
ing, we do not anticipate an immediate revolution, or indeed 
any great degree of reform in the long practiced methods of cat- 
tle keeping, in this country of comparatively cheap land and dear 
labor — excepting, possibly, the feeding of milk cows. Yet it is a 
subject deeply concerning the economy of our cattle husbandry 
throughout. A snug, compact system, widely different from the 
too generally loose way of managing stock, must be adopted in 
order to carry it out. Our smaller stock farmers will probably 
be the first to adopt it, and it will ultimately, to a considerable 
extent, be adopted by the larger ones as their land becomes more 
valuable, and its advantages become better understood. Those 
living immediately contiguous to the larger towns and cities, must 
adopt it of necessity; the large dairies will follow; then the 
stall-feeders; and ultimately a great many of the stock breeders, 
and graziers, will fall into it from a sheer conviction of its advan- 
tages. The farmers inhabiting the wide pastoral regions of the 
far West, will be slow in coming into a plan requiring so much 
of system, of close calculation, but no long cycle of years will 



330 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

elapse before soiling will be as common in the densely peopled 
sections of the United States, as its benefits will be advantageous. 

FALL FEEDING OF COWS. 

As the season of green food passes by, soft, early cured hay, 
cut short in a machine, and mixed with grain meal, or "mid- 
dlings" from flour mills, is the best material as a substitute for 
the failing grass, or green clover and corn. The quantity of the 
hay and meal given must be judged by the dairyman, (see next 
chapter,) but the cow must have enough. Understand, all this 
extra food must be regulated by the supply of grass, which she 
may obtain from the pasture, or other green food. 

The food of the cow, in its kind, influences, to a greater or 
less degree, the richness of her milk, and the quantity of butter 
or cheese it will make, as well as its quality. The dairyman, 
who sells his milk for immediate consumption, regards quantity 
more than quality, and is therefore apt to use that food which 
will most readily produce it. But it must be remembered that 
the flesh of the cow is to be kept in good condition all the time, 
to render her permanently serviceable, and the flesh-producing 
quality of her food should not be neglected, while that most 
favorable to the secretion of her milk is provided. 

As the nights now grow chilly, the cow should be kept in her 
stable through the night, and if stormy, through the day. When 
the frosts begin to nip the pastures, even if there be a good growth 
of grass, she should not eat it early in the morning, nor until the 
frost be melted off. She should be fed in her stall before going 
out to graze. A moderate amount of good hay — if finely cut, 
the better — may be laid at night in her manger, to make more 
solid the succulent food otherwise fed, that her bowels may be 
kept equable. 

WINTER FEEDING OF COWS. 

For winter food, much will depend upon the time at which the 
cow is to be dried, and also upon her bodily condition, in each 



WINTER FEEDING OF COWS. 331 

of which the dairyman must be the judge. If she has been 
thoroughly driven in her lacteal yields for the past eight or nine 
months, three months is none too much time for her to rest, and 
properly recuperate her faculties for another season. It is also 
doubtful whether, in ordinary cheese and butter dairies, the extra 
expense of forcing her with stimulating milk-producing foods, 
will pay during the inclement seasons, when all dairy work must 
be prosecuted at comparative disadvantage. That must be left 
to the judgment of the dairyman. 

If the cow be reduced in flesh by her severe toils at the pail — 
and she cannot but be somewhat so, if a really good milker, and 
with plenty of milk-creating food — she must, to continue her 
usefulness, be fully recruited during the winter. She may be 
dried off in December. She should produce her calf in the latter 
part of March — or by the tenth of April, at the latest. Her 
winter forage should be soft, sweet, well cured hay — cut when 
the grass is not earlier than in its first bloom, and before the seed 
hardens into ripening, of whatever kind of grass the hay be 
made. When a large stock is kept, the hay may not always be 
thus seasonably made. If not, it should be as near to it as pos- 
sible. Hay alone will not recruit lean cows during the winter, 
into good dairy condition for the coming season. Indian corn, 
oat, barley and rye meal, or wheat bran, or middlings from flour 
mills, buckwheat meal, or roots, may be resorted to for assist- 
ance; but at all events the cow should be restored to good con 
dition for the proper production of her calf, and the wear and 
tear of the succeeding season of hard milking. The hay for feed- 
ing should be cut short, as when in giving milk, say a quarter, and 
not to exceed half an inch long, in a machine. It is better, and 
a saving of at least one-fifth to one-fourth in quantity of con- 
sumption. If the meal, with plenty of water, be sprinkled upon 
it, and well mixed, she will thrive all the better. 

Roots are a good winter and spring food for cows, particularly 
to promote the flow of milk when about calving. The kinds of 



332 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

roots we most recommend are mangold-wurtzel, sugar-beet, and 
carrots. Turnips, and ruta-baga, aside from giving their own taste 
to the milk, are uncertain crops in our dry and hot climate, and 
the fly often destroys them altogether. They are an English 
crop, and are better fitted to its moist, cool summers, than to 
ours. As a crop to be depended on we do not recommend them. 
The other roots named are easily raised, and generally sure. 
Roots, of any kind, should always be well cleaned, and cut in a 
machine, or by a spade, or knife, before feeding to the cow. The 
situation and locality of the dairyman, and his facilities for obtain- 
ing grain feed, must measurably control his choice of these extra 
articles. The food should be given three times a day — morning, 
noon, and night. 

In addition to her feeding, the cow should be kept clean, in a 
warm, well ventilated stable, and bedded with straw, or other 
coarse litter; and if the time can be spared, curried over daily 
with a card. She should be salted as often as once a week, at 
least — a trifle of salt daily, or tri-weekly would be better — and 
looked after as carefully as her condition requires. The cow is 
a part of the working capital of the dairyman, farmer, or house- 
keeper, and no good manager can afford to neglect her. "We 
may have repeated this injunction in other places; but "line 
upon line, and precept upon precept," need not be considered 
superfluous in a work of this importance. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



SALE MILK DAIRIES. 



Dairies kept for milk to be sold for immediate consumption 
or manufactured into the "concentrated" article for transporta- 
tion abroad, are of such importance throughout our country, that 
a full chapter on them may be submitted. To show, somewhat 
the value of purchased milk in the United States, the "Ameri 
can Agriculturist," of January, 1867, informs us that the con 
sumption in the -city of New York, and its immediate vicinity 
comprising about two millions of people, a ratio of less than one 
third of a pint per day to a person, amounts, at the sale price, to 
four and a half millions of dollars a year ! Of this sum, the pro- 
ducers of the milk get $2,300,000, and the other $2,200,000, 
or about one-half the gross amount, is absorbed by the railroads 
in freight, and the dealers' profits, which stand between the 
producer and consumer. Now, as every city, town, and village 
of any size in the United States, is more or less supplied with 
milk from dairies kept for that particular purpose, it must 
be apparent, that of the forty millions of people in the United 
States, at least one-eighth part of them must buy their milk; 
and of these one-eighth, or five millions, each consume, as for 
their health they ought to do, half a pint per day, the aver- 
age quantity per year will be 114,062,500 gallons. And if this 
be worth twelve cents a gallon to the producer, as it probably 
is, taking the year through, the sum total is the moderate sum of 
$13,687,500 — and that only for one-eighth of our population! 
We think our estimate is too low — that more than one-eighth 



334 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

buy the milk they consume ; but as there are numberless family 
cows kept in cities, towns, and villages, by private residents, who 
not only thus furnish their own milk, but supply an occasional 
neighbor, we let the estimate stand as not far out of the way. 

As milk is, or ought to be, largely consumed by children, and 
enters also into various processes of table use, and cookery, it 
should be pure, produced by healthy cows, which are fed on 
nutritious, and healthy food. It is of the highest importance, 
therefore, to know how so to produce the milk, as well as to 
economize, in every possible way, the manner of its production. 

SWILL MILK. 

It is known to every intelligent person that there are millions 
of gallons of what is called milk, produced in the neighborhoods 
of our largest cities — within them, indeed — which is utterly unfit 
for any edible use whatever,— s will milk, so called, drawn from 
cows fed upon the refuse of distilleries, and other garbage, 
poisonous, and offensive. The whole internal system of the 
cows, so fed, becomes distempered. The foetid liquid merely 
percolates through the diseased glands and milk veins of the 
cow, and is drawn off in the color of milk, without its proper 
substance, and to the detriment, instead of nourishment, of every 
stomach into which, either directly or indirectly, it enters. 

Every such milk dairy is a common nuisance; and as such it 
should be suppressed, and the owners and keepers of them sum- 
marily punished, both by fine, and imprisonment. And if a 
" Humane Society," or a "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty 
to Animals" exist in the vicinity of where these nuisances are 
kept, the first should compel the health authorities of the munici- 
palities to prohibit the sale of their milk, and thus cease poison- 
ing children, and the other should rescue the poor suffering cows 
from further torture, and a lingering death. It would be so in a 
countrv where law is enforced — for we already have law enough 



SALE MILK DAIRIES. 335 

to abate these nuisances — but we fear that nothing less than a 
knowledge of the imposition, and a determination on the part of 
those concerned, to refrain from the use of the article, will help 
the matter. On persons concerned in such establishments, our 
words, if they ever see them, will make no impression, and we 
therefore address ourselves to those who pursue an honest and 
honorable business in their own legitimate dairies. 

GOOD MILK. 

The establishment and management of a sale milk dairy, is 
altogether different from the butter and cheese dairy. It is to 
be continuous in its supply throughout the year. A constant, 
daily demand is made upon it. No calves are fatted; no rear- 
ing of heifers is permitted. If a cow is wanted, the dairyman 
must strike out and obtain her wherever he can, at any possible 
price, so that she be a good one. If a cow fails, she must be 
disposed of at the best advantage; but disposed of she must be, 
as she can be of no further profit to the concern. It is simply 
an industrial and commercial matter; ' ; profit and loss," as in any 
other business, being the only financial items to be taken into 
account. Therefore the simple proposition to the milk dairy- 
man is, to get his buildings in the best order of arrangement for 
convenience and economy, and fill his herd with the best cows, 
of whatever breed, or no breed at all, that will answer his pur- 
poses. His cows should bring their calves periodically — every 
month, or week, as his numbers may be, for the average monthly 
supply of milk must be maintained — perhaps more in certain 
months than in others — and that must be calculated. He must 
keep a bull, as that is the best economy if he have more than 
twenty cows, and there be none that he can use within a con- 
venient distance in the neighborhood. Let the bull be as small 
in breed, as possible, so that his calves, while in fcetus, may be 
small, and draw as little on the internal foetal nourishment, from 



336 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

the cow as possible. If the foetus be large, it will detract from 
her milk production, which cannot be afforded, as the calf when 
born is worthless, and must be immediately sacrificed to obtain 
the milk for use. 

The dairy once established, the manner of keeping the cows 
comes next under consideration. For summer feeding, the 
method has already been given in our previous pages on the 
summer food of ordinary dairies. (See Soiling.) But the winter 
keeping is a different matter, and of this we shall go somewhat 
into detail. In treating of this, as all sale milk dairies are kept 
in the vicinities of populous places, we assume that land is dear, 
and winter forage bears corresponding prices. The dairyman 
may not be able to grow all his own hay, or straw, and may 
have to purchase it. He may raise his own roots, which he 
should do, if he feeds the article; and his grain, or mill-feed, he 
must, to a greater or less extent, purchase. He must also give 
to his cows that kind of food which will produce the greatest 
quantity of good milk, and prepare it in such a manner as to do 
its utmost in that production. Therefore he must, or ought to, 
cook it. 

COOKING FOOD. 

We have given much thought to this subject, — and some little 
observation, although we have not personally applied the cooking 
process to cattle feeding. We are, however, happy to again 
avail ourselves of the authority of Mr. Stewart. 

We so fully accord with his conclusions, that we at once adopt 
his views, which we most opportunely find in the " Report of the 
Commissioner of Agriculture," for the year 1865, made to the 
Congress of the United States, as being more germain to our 
purpose than anything we can suggest, or find elsewhere. It is 
equally applicable to fattening cattle for the shambles, as for 
dairy cows, and may be referred to in connection with our 
remarks on the subject in a previous chapter. 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 337 

The article is entitled, "Cutting and Cooking Food for A.ni- 
mals: By E. W. Stewart, North Evans, Erie Co., N. Y.:" 

WHY FODDER SHOULD BE CUT. 

"The object of mastication of food is to comminute it, to break 
down its structure, and to render it more easily acted upon by 
the gastric juice, thus enabling the animal to appropriate its 
nutriment. Now, the more finely divided, food is, when sub- 
jected to the gastric juice, the more rapidly and easily it is 
digested. For when finely divided it presents many hundred 
times more surface to the action of the digesting fluid. This 
is simply represented in cooking fine meal or whole grain. We 
know it takes but a few minutes to cook the meal, while hours 
are required to soften the whole grain. 

"When cattle eat succulent food, the fibre is easily broken 
and reduced to a pulpy mass; but not so with dry, woody fibre, 
which must be broken and comminuted before the food contained 
in it is accessible for animal nutrition. This the animal seldom 
does, and more especially the non-ruminating; therefore, it 
becomes highly necessary that we should use machinery to assist 
the animal, as much as possible, in extracting the nutriment con- 
tained in dry food. And if it be profitable to cut hay, straw 
and other coarse fodder, for. the purpose of breaking the fibre, 
and rendering it more easy of mastication and digestion by the 
animal, then it is well to cut or divide it as finely as is consist- 
ent with economy. There is no danger of inventing machinery 
which will cut or pulverize it too finely. The great want now 
is, a machine, cheap and durable, which shall reduce woody fibre 
to pulp. This will require a machine which shall bruise as well 
as cut, so as to leave the whole fibre thoroughly mashed and 
divided. . It will not be liable to the objection urged, that it will 
leave nothing for the animal to do; for this drv fibre, when 
reduced to the greatest degree practicable, will still require more 
15 



338 AMERICAN CATTLE 

mastication than green grass. Our whole effort in cutting and 
steaming is merely to produce an imitation of nature's green food. 

MIXING DIFFERENT QUALITIES OF FOOD. 

11 Here, another advantage not to be overlooked, is, that it ena- 
bles the feeder to mix different qualities of food together, making 
it all palatable, and thus saving all. This is a matter of great 
importance, and alone would vastly more than pay all the expense 
of cutting. In this manner, poor straw and good hay may be 
mixed, coarse swale meadow hay with fine hay, corn stalks with 
hay, and pea or bean straw with hay, when the poorer qualities 
would not be eaten alone; or, if hay be scarce or of too high 
price, cut straw may be made equivalent to the best hay, by mix- 
ing two quarts of fine middlings or bran, or one quart of corn 
meal with a bushel of straw. 

" The writer of this paper has practiced cutting and steaming 
fodder, of all kinds, in winter, for a stock numbering from ten to 
fifty-five neat cattle and horses, during the last ten years. He 
therefore deems his experience sufficient to enable him to speak 
with some degree of confidence. He tried a long series of experi- 
ments, to determine the quantity of middlings or meal necessary 
to mix with a bushel of straw, to render it equivalent to the best 
hay. Ten animals of about uniform size, standing in the same 
stable, were parted — five being fed upon hay, and five upon the 
mixture. At first, four quarts of middlings were mixed with a 
bushel of straw. The animals were fed for one month — five 
upon this mixture, and five upon the hay. Those fed upon the 
mixture were found to gain decidedly upon those fed upon the 
hay alone. 

" The experiment was then reversed, putting those upon the 
mixture that had fed upon the hay, and vice versa. At the end 
of the month those fed upon the straw and middlings had gained 
rapidly, while those fed upon the hay had hardly held their con 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOL. 339 

dition. Then the experiment was continued by reducing the 
quantity of middlings one-half, or two quarts, on which mixture 
the animals did rather better than those upon hay, while, upon 
reversing, those at first fed upon the hay when fed upon this 
mixture did better than those on hay. Upon several trials after- 
wards, it was uniformly found that a bushel of straw with two 
quarts of middlings was quite equal to the same weight of cut 
hay, and was worth twenty-five per cent, more than uncut hay. 
It was found that the animals would eat twenty-five per cent, 
more hay uncut than cut. The same experiment was then tried 
with corn meal, and one and one-half pints were found to make 
a bushel of straw equal to hay, though the formula is generally 
given as a quart to a bushel of straw, which will render almost 
any quality of straw equal to the same weight of good timothy 
hay. 

" The writer has found for many years that he can winter his 
stock in better condition on straw and middlings, or meal, in the 
proportions given, than on hay. This is a large item near a good 
hay market, and where straw is worth but little, or in a grain 
country, where little else than straw is raised as fodder for ani- 
mals. In this way all the coarse fodder on the farm, of every 
description, may be consumed by animals, and thus turned into 
money. Where steaming is practiced there is also a large profit. 
Besides, this enables the feeder to prepare a special food to pro- 
duce such special results as he may desire. It is well known 
that the intelligent feeder may increase the frame, or muscle, or 
fat of an animal exclusively, or he may increase them all together. 
If he wishes to increase the frame and muscle particularly, he 
will give food rich in phosphate of lime and gluten, without hav- 
ing much oil or a large proportion of starch ; and for this pur- 
pose, pea or bean meal, mixed with his coarse fodder, will pro- 
duce the desired result. If he wishes to lay on fat principally 
he will use corn meal or oil meal. If to produce growth of tbo 



340 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

animal in frame and mnscle, as well as fat, let him mix the dif- 
ferent kinds of food together. Thus he may produce such results 
as he pleases, and, at the same time, use what would otherwise 
be refuse and waste. 

"It is shown, by accurate observation, that hay, straw, or 
other coarse fodder, when well cut, is more uniformly digested by 
both neat cattle, horses, and sheep, than uncut. In England, 
large feeders have estimated the gain in nutriment and saving of 
waste in hay to be equal to twenty-five per cent. Some experi- 
menters in this country have estimated the gain even higher, and 
certainly the gain is more in cutting coarse fodder than on hay. 

WHAT IS GAINED IN CUTTING FOR A SMALL STOCK. 

•'An experiment will illustrate the profit of cutting. When 
keeping a small stock, which would consume thirty tons of hay 
in a winter, seven tons of hay were sold, and seven tons of mid- 
dlings bought and used upon cut straw, (two quarts upon a 
bushel,) and the stock wintered in fine condition. The straw 
was thus turned into twenty-three tons of hay, worth, that year, 
$18 per ton in barn, or $405; (generally it is worth $12 per 
ton.) Hay, in most localities, is worth as much per ton as mid- 
dlings, and half to three-fourths as much as corn meal ; therefore 
the avails of one-fourth the quantity of hay requisite to winter a 
stock of animals, will purchase the middlings or meal necessary 
to use upon the straw, and the hay (or its value) be saved to the 
farmer. Indeed, from long practice, the economy of the straw 
cutter is as well established with the writer of this article as that 
of the mowing machine. 

" But it is sometimes said that it may pay on a small scale, and 
accordingly many small hand machines are found by which far- 
mers cut for a few cows, or a pair of horses, still feeding the prin- 
cipal part of "their stock uncut food. In this idea the ordinary 
rule of manufacturers is reversed, viz.: that what will pay upon 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 341 

a small scale will pay much better on a large scale. It costs 
more in proportion to make one wagon than one hundred; so 
it costs more in proportion to cut fodder for five animals than 
for fifty. To show that it pays on a large scale, to cut hay, we 
have only to refer to the fact that the large omnibus lines and 
street railroad companies of our large cities cut all the hay and 
coarse fodder used for their hundreds of horses. These com- 
panies have learned, from practical experience, that the saving is 
many times the cost of cutting. 

"When cutting is done for a large stock, with the largest size 
two-horse machine, it takes but little longer to cut a ton of hay 
than to handle it without cutting. Horse or steam power is much 
cheaper than hand power when more than a few animals are to 
be fed. 

STRAW CUTTERS. 

" Much improvement has been made within a few years in the 
construction of straw cutters. It is of the highest importance in 
selecting a machine, to get one that cuts short and with perfect 
regularity ; and to this end great attention must be paid to the 
feed apparatus. Unless the hay or straw is delivered to the 
knives with perfect regularity, the work will be badly done. The 
greatest fault of most machines is the defect in this part of the 
machinery. Some are fed by hand. These should be discarded, 
as there can in this way be no regularity of cut. A short and 
regular cut secured, next in importance is strength, simplicity, 
and durability. The perfection of this kind of machine is yet to 
be invented which shall mash or pulp the fodder. 

COOKING FOOD FOR ANIMALS. 

11 Steaming food is less practised but even more important 
than cutting. Cooking food for animals is of comparatively 
recent date. A brief notice of its rationale will demonstrate its 
imnortance, as well to animals as to man. 



342 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" Pereira says : ' To render starchy substances digestible, they 
require to be cooked, in order to break or crack the grains ; for 
of the different lamina of which each grain consists, the outer 
ones are the most cohesive, and present the greatest resistance 
to the digestive power of the stomach, while the internal ones 
are least so.' 'Starch,' says Raspail, * is not actually nutritive 
to man until it has been boiled or cooked. The heat of the stom- 
ach is not sufficient to burst all the grains of the feculent mass 
which is subjected to the rapid action of this organ. The stom« 
achs of graminivorous animals and birds seem to possess, in this 
respect, a particular power, for they use feculent substances in a 
raw state. Nevertheless, recent experiments prove the advan- 
tage that results from boiling the potatoes and grain, and par- 
tially altered farina, which are given to them for food ; for a large 
proportion, when given whole, in the raw state, passes through 
the intestine perfectly unaffected as when swallowed.' Bracon- 
not found unbroken starch grains in the excrement of hot-blooded 
animals fed on raw potatoes; hence he adds, 'the potatoes 
employed for feeding cattle, should be boiled, since, independently 
of the accidents which may arise from the use of them in a raw 
state, a considerable quantity of alimentary matter is lost by the 
use of these tubers in the unboiled state.' 

"So much for the effect of heat upon grain and roots; but it 
may be asked whether we can derive the same benefit from cook- 
ing hay, straw, and other coarse fodder for stock. The following 
quotation from Regnalt will show what difference exists between 
them, the stems containing woody fibre as well as cellulose, while 
roots and grains do not: 

" 'A microscopic examination of the various component parts 
of plants, shows them all to be constituted of cellular tissue, vary- 
ing in form according to the part of the vegetable subjected to 
examination. The cavities of the tissue are filled with very 
diversified matter; sometimes, as in the case of wood, the pari- 
etes of the cells are covered by a hard and brittle substance 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 343 

called Izgnin, or woody fibre, which frequently almost completely 
fills their interstices; while, at other times, as in the grains of 
the cerealia, potatoes and other tubers, the cells contain a quan- 
tity of small ovoidal globules, varying in size, constituting fecula 
or starch; and lastly, in the case of the young organs of plants, 
the cells contain only a more or less viscous fluid, holding in solu- 
tion mineral salts and various organic substances, the principal of 
which are gums, gelatinous combinations, designated by the gen- 
eral name of albuminous substances. 7 We conclude, then, that 
if heat aids in rendering the nutritive principles of roots and 
grains more accessible to the assimulating faculty, it will also 
assist in softening the fibre of hay and straw. The cell walls 
which imprison the alimentary substances mentioned, will, by the 
joint processes of cutting and steaming, be more or less broken 
and weakened. 

" The following extract from Johnston's Agricultural Chemis 
try, shows the further effect of heat upon starch itself: 

" 'When wheat flour, potato, or arrowroot starch is spread 
upon a tray and gradually heated in an oven to a temperature 
not exceeding 300° F., it slowly changes, acquires a yellow or 
brownish tint, according to the temperature employed, and be- 
comes entirely soluble in cold water. It is changed into dextrin 
gum. * * * During the baking of bread this conversion of 
starch into gum takes place to a considerable extent. Thus Vogel 
found that flour which contained no gum, gave, when baked, a 
bread of which eighteen per cent., or nearly one-fifth of the 
whole weight, consisted of gum. Thus, one result of baking, is 
to render the flour starch more soluble, and therefore more easily 
digested.' Of starch he says: 'It is a property of starch of all 
kinds, to be insoluble in cold water, but to dissolve readily in 
boiling water, and to thicken into a jelly, or paste, as it cools.' 
It is supposed that, by digestion, starch becomes converted into 
gum or sugar, and the latter probably becomes absorbed. It is 
also an element of respiration, and, according to Liebig, con- 



344 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

tributes to the formation of fat in animals. His theory is, no 
doubt, well founded, and explains the fattening of animals when 
fed upon Indian corn. 

VALUE OF STRAW, ANALYSES, ETC. 

"Few farmers are aware of the value of straw. By the pres- 
ent system of feeding in this country, little or no account is 
made of it. It serves mostly as litter for animals. Let us 
examine the general analysis of straw, as compared with the for- 
age crops and grains. The following table is from the Cyclo- 
paedia of Agriculture: 

Average composition of wheat straw. 
"Dried at 212° Fahrenheit, 100 parts con- 
tain nitrogenous substances, or — 
Muscle-producing substances, . . . 2.05 

Heat-producing substances, . . . 35.06 

Woody fibre, 56.87 

Mineral substances, . . . . . 6.02 





100.00 


Corn fodder and bean straw. 




(J. H. Salisbury.) (Prof. Way.) 
Corn fodder. Bean straw. 


Flesh-forming matters, . . 8.200 


16.38 


Heat and fat-producing matters, 35.273 


33.86 


Woody fibre, .... 50.251 


25.84 


Mineral matters, . . . 


9.45 


Water *6.276 


14.47 



100.000 100.00 

Cultivated grasses, average, dried at 212° Fahrenheit. 

(Prof. Way.) 
"Flesh-forming principles, .... 10.34 
Fat-producing principles, . . . . 2.51 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 



345 



Heat-producing principles, 
Woody fibre, . 
Mineral matters or ash, 



41.29 
37.18 

8.68 



100.00 
(It will be seen that good hay is altogether more profitable 
food for either flesh, or milk, than any straw. — L. F. A.) 

Indian corn and ivheat hran. 





(Salisbury.) 
Ind. corn. Wheat bran. 


"Flesh-forming principles, 


15.192 


18.00 


Heat-producing principles, . 


78.866 


63.00 


Fat-producing principles, 


5.945 


6.00 


Water, 




13.00 




100.000 


100.00 


Oats and rye. 


(Emmons.) 
Oats. 


(Johnson.) 
Rye. 


"Flesh-forming principles, 


18.447 


16.00 


Heat-producing principles, 


73.376 


69.00 


Fat-producing principles, 


8.179 




Soluble phosphates, 




3.06 


Water, . 





11.04 




100.002 


99.10 


Barley. 




(Johnson.) 


"Flesh-forming principles, 




6.1 


Heat and fat-producing principles, 




69.3 


Husk, 


. 


. 13.8 


Water, ..... 




10.8 
100.00 


Beans and peas. 


Peas. 


Beans. 


"Husks 


. 8.3 


7.0 


Legumin, Albumen, &c. 


26.4 


23.6 



15* 



. 43.6 


43.0 


2.0 


0.2 


4.0 


1.5 


1.2 


0.7 


. 2.0 


1.0 


12.5 


23.0 



346 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Starch, ..... 

Sugar, 

Gum, &c, .... 

Oil and fat, ..... 
Salts and loss, .... 
Water, ...... 

100.00 100.00 
"The analysis of wheat straw, cornstalks, and bean straw, will 
show at once the large amount of nutritive matter they contain, 
besides that denominated wood fibre. Bean straw and wheat 
bran, it will be seen, are very rich in nitrogenous matter, and 
therefore will build up the muscular system of the animal. From 
long experience we have found wheat bran to be equal, prac- 
tically, to the analysis. If steamed, we regard it as valuable, 
per weight, as corn meal. Its analysis indicates that it has more 
muscle-forming matter than corn. This will indicate the impor- 
tant use that farmers should make of bran, when it is to be had 
for the price of hay, in feeding cows and young animals. An 
examination of these analyses will show readily how to mix a 
proper food, to build up all parts of the animal system. 

STEAM APPARATUS. 

"It will now be in order to give the reader a detailed account 
of the manner of conducting this cooking process. A perfect 
steam apparatus is yet to be invented. Many methods are used. 
The writer will describe the one he uses, and also a simpler and 
cheaper one for a small stock. 

"The one he has now in use, consists of a wrought-iron cylin- 
der, one-eighth inch thick, thirty inches in diameter, four feet 
long, with one-quarter inch iron heads. The front end has an 
elliptical opening, by which to draw off the water and clean it 
out, secured, when in use, by an iron stopper with rubber pack 
ing. On the top is another like opening, through which to fill 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 347 

it with water, and secured in like manner. An iron pipe, one 
and a half inch in diameter, is fastened to the top of the boiler, 
passes over the side of the brick-work, and down to the bottom 
of the steam box, where it enters the side near the center. This 
boiler is set in brick-work, in a horizontal position. It is raised 
about sixteen inches above the fire bed or grate. The fire is 
conducted under the length of the boiler, and partly up the back 
end; then carried along each side, to near the front end in a flue, 
and carried back to the chimney in another flue above this. This 
leaves the front end of the boiler exposed, in which there is a 
cock from which to draw hot water if wanted. My steam box 
is made of matched pine plank, one and a quarter inch thick. 
It is four and a half by five feet, and three feet deep, holding 
over fifty bushels of feed. It might be larger if the stock 
required it, as my boiler generates steam enough for one hundred 
and fifty bushels. The box is closed with a wooden cover. 

PREPARING FOOD FOR STEAMING. 

"The feed is prepared for steaming, thus: The cut straw, hay 
and straw, roots, or other cut feed, sufficient to fill the steam box, 
is measured in a square six-bushel basket. It is then moistened 
by a four-gallon watering pot, with twenty gallons of water to 
fifty bushels of feed, while it is being stirred up with a fork. 
Then two quarts of wheat bran to the bushel of straw, is mixed 
in the same manner, and a little salt added, when it is put into 
the steam box and steamed for an hour and a half. This feed 
will keep warm for two days in the coldest weather. 

"The reader will readily see the defect in this arrangement, as, 
with such a steam box, no considerable pressure can be obtained ; 
hence it does not reduce the feed to such a pulp as is desirable. 
Yet it modifies and softens it very much. My boiler would 
safely bear a pressure of thirty pounds to the inch, and, with an 
iron steam box, the feed could as cheaply be put under that pres- 



348 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

sure, and reduced to such a pulp as is desirable, as it now is, 
steamed in the wooden box. When iron work shall be reduced 
to the price charged before the war, an apparatus with iron boiler 
and iron steam box, will be within the easy expenditure of every 
considerable cattle feeder, costing not over one hundred and fifty 
dollars. This amount would be more than made up by its use 
for a single year. 

CHEAP STEAMER. 

"We will next give a description of a very simple apparatus, 
which is within the reach of every farmer. It is described, with 
out the improvement which should be made to it, in the transac- 
tions of the American Institute for 1863. 'Get a sheet of No. 
18 iron, (No. 16 would be better,) thirty-two to thirty-six inches 
wide, and seven or eight feet long, (or two sheets may be riveted 
together, and thus make one fourteen feet long, if much work is 
to be done.) Take 2-inch pine plank, (maple would be better,) 
about two feet wide; let the sides extend three inches past the 
end plank ; make a box a little flaring at the top, and wide and 
long enough, so that the bottom sheet will cover and project 
half an inch on each side and end. Let the ends into the sides, 
% to %-inch, in making the box, and put it together with white 
lead and oil, and put two %-inch iron rods through the sides at 
each end, outside of the end plank; then nail on the bottom 
sheet with two rows of five-penny nails, the nails about one inch 
apart in the rows, and breaking joints, and bend up the sheet 
where it projects.' This will hold some thirty bushels. 'Now 
take flat stones or bricks, and make a fireplace the length of 
your box, and eight inches narrower on the inside, than your 
box is wide on the outside.' Fire bed should be sixteen or 
eighteen inches deep. 'Put across at each end, a flat bar of 
iron, % by \}4 inches, so as to lay a row of bricks on these for 
the ends of the box to rest on, and at the back end, let the arch 
run out so as to build a small chimney, and put on some joints 
of stove pipe, and you have a cooking apparatus.' This is a 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 349 

good boiling arrangement, where only water, or some thin liquid 
is to be heated ; but if hay or straw, or even potatoes, are to be 
boiled with little water, as would be the case, especially in steam- 
ing fodder, it would settle and burn on the bottom. We have 
many times tried this in a large kettle, with this result. This 
difficulty can be obviated entirely, and a good steaming appara- 
tus be made of it, by placing a false bottom one inch above the 
real bottom. This may be done in the following manner : Take 
a sheet of No. 18 iron, of the size of the box, or, perhaps, one- 
half inch wider; have this punched with small holes, so as to let 
the water down and the steam up. It can be let into the side 
of the box, or a half-inch cleat can be nailed on the side and end 
of the box, for it to rest on. This would not sufficiently support 
the weight of feed to put on it, and, therefore, %-inch rods must 
be put through the sides, under this false bottom, to sustain it — 
one, perhaps, every foot. Then a wooden or iron faucet, must 
be put through the side, between these bottoms, to draw off the 
water. Now, a wooden cover, on the top of the box, to keep 
the steam in, and here is as complete, effectual, and cheap a 
steamer for cooking without pressure, as can be desired. The 
whole apparatus would not, probably, cost over $25, for the 
seveu feet, or $50 for the fourteen feet length. This largest 
size would be ample for fifty to seventy-five head of cattle and 
horses. The chimney should be as long as the steam box, to 
make a proper draft. 

"There is, also, D. R. Prindle's agricultural caldron and steamer, 
a portable apparatus used for boiling and steaming. It has been 
used in various parts of the country, and highly spoken of, for 
its convenience in being adapted to cooking for stock, as well as 
for most other heating purposes on the farm. 

ARRANGEMENT FOR A LARGE STOCK. 

" For the benefit of those who wish to feed a large stock, one 
to two hundred head of cattle, or more, we will suggest an 



350 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

arrangement which will save much labor, economize the material, 
and produce more uniform results. 

"A portable steam engine of five horse power provided, we 
will arrange the animals, steam box, food, &c, as follows: 

"The stables are in the lower story, on each side of a feeding 
floor ten feet wide. It would be more convenient to have room 
behind each tier of animals, to pass a cart, or wagon, to carry off 
the manure, than to throw it out at the side. A wooden track 
should be laid in the center of the feeding floor, on which to run 
the steam boxes. Two, holding one hundred bushels each, should 
be provided for one hundred cattle. One would be run under the 
upper floor to be filled and steamed, and then moved away for 
use; while the other could be run to the spot, filled and steamed. 
On the upper floor, the straw cutter would be placed, provided 
with a feeding apron to feed itself, with two bins overhead, one 
for cut hay or straw, the other for meal and bran. Elevators, to 
carry up the cut feed from the straw cutter to the feed bin, as 
fast as cut, would be necessary. 

"There would also be necessary, a water pipe connected with 
a pump or an elevated reservoir, to furnish water to moisten the 
feed. A tank might be placed overhead and filled by a force 
pump. Then, in a scuttle through the floor, directly over the 
steam box, there will be placed a cask or cylinder, three feet in 
diameter and five feet long, without a bottom, but a bar across 
the lower end, on which an upright revolving shaft will be set 
in the center, provided with six arms, just long enough to turn 
inside. This shaft will pass through a like cross-bar on the top, 
and extending above enough to receive a pulley of the proper 
size, to revolve it some six hundred times per minute. Now, a 
spout will extend from the elevated feed bin to the top of this 
cylinder, with a slide to open or shut it; also, a spout extending 
from the meal or bran bin, so as to communicate in the same 
way with the cylinder, and a water -pipe, also, furnished with 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 351 

siop-cock and movable cover, will be placed on top of the cylin- 
der. A belt will run from the engine to the pulley on top of this 
shaft. Now, when ready to fill the steam box, this shaft will be 
set in motion — the spout for cut feed will be opened so as to dis- 
charge a definite quantity, the spout for meal opened to discharge 
the proportion desired, and the water, so as to let in twenty gal- 
lons for fifty bushels of feed. It will be seen that the feed, and 
meal, and water, in passing through the cylinder, will come in 
contact with these swift moving arms on the shaft, and be 
thoroughly mixed, and fall into the steam box, ready for steam- 
ing. The feed should be pressed into the steam box, as more 
will be steamed, and better. With this arrangement, one expert 
man may cut and steam feed for one hundred head of cattle, and 
two men could easily care for two hundred. It will be seen that, 
with proper system and machinery, the expense of cutting and 
steaming for a large stock, will be little more than in the ordinary 
way of feeding. This steam engine may be used to grind the 
grain, cut and steam the feed, and do all the work requiring 
stationary power on the farm. The engine should be placed as 
near the steam box and straw cutter, as it can be with safety. 
A double spark extinguisher must be placed over the chimney, 
to prevent fire. 

EESULTS OF COOKING. 

"It now remains for us to give the results of cooking by the 
method detailed. 

".1st. It renders mouldy hay, straw, and cornstalks, perfectly 
sweet and palatable. Animals seem to relish straw taken from 
a stack, which has been wet and badly damaged for ordinary use ; 
and even in any condition, except 'dry rot,' steaming will restore 
its sweetness. "When keeping a large stock, we have often pur- 
chased stacks of straw which would have been worthless for 
feeding, in the ordinary way, and have been able to detect no 
difference, after steaming, in the smell, or the relish with which 
it was eaten. 



352 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" 2d. It diffuses the odor of the bran, corn meal, oil meal, 
carrots, or whatever is mixed with the feed, through the whole 
mass; and thus it may cheaply be flavored to suit the animal. 

"3d. It softens the tough fibre of the dry cornstalk, rye 
straw, and other hard material, rendering it almost like green, 
succulent food, and easily masticated and digested by the animal. 

"4th. It renders beans and peas agreeable food to horses, as 
well as other animals, and thus enables the feeder to combine 
more nitrogenous food in the diet of his animals. 

"5th. It enables the feeder to turn everything raised into 
food for his stock, without lessening the value of his manure. 
Indeed, the manure made from steamed food decomposes more 
readily, and is therefore more valuable than when used in a fresh 
state. Manure made from steamed food is always ready for use, 
and is regarded by those who have used it as much more valuable, 
for the same bulk, than tha- made from uncooked food. (This 
manure has another great value, as there can be no foul seed in it. 
Being cooked, and dead, they cannot grow. — L. F. A.) 

" 6th. We have found it to cure incipient heaves in horses, 
and horses having a cough for several months at pasture, have 
been cured in two weeks, on steamed feed. It has a remarkable 
effect upon horses with a sudden cold, and in constipation. 
Horses fed upon it, seem much less liable to disease; in fact, in 
this respect, it seems to have all the good qualities of grass, the 
natural food of animals. 

"7th. It produces a marked difference in the appearance* of 
the animal, at once causing the coat to become smooth, and of a 
brighter color — regulates the digestion, makes the animal more 
contented and satisfied, enables fattening stock to eat their food 
with less labor, (and consequently requires less to keep up the 
animal heat,) gives working animals time to eat all that is neces- 
sary for them, in the intervals of labor; and this is of much 
importance, especially with horses. It also enables the feeder to 
fatten animals in one-third less time. 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 353 

"8th. It saves at least one-third of the food. We have found 
two bushels of cut and cooked hay to satisfy cows, as well as 
three bushels of uncooked hay; and the manure, in the case of 
the uncooked hay, contained much more fibrous matter, unutil- 
ized by the animal. This is more particularly the case with 
horses. 

"These have been the general results of our practice, and, we 
presume, do not materially differ from those of others who have 
given cooked food a fair trial. 

"George A. Moore, of Buffalo, N. Y., at the New York State 
Fair discussion, 1864, says: 'I was feeding sheep, and cutting 
for them timothy hay, millet, carrots, and feeding with bean and 
oat meal. Before steaming, I found, by weighing, I was putting 
on two pounds of flesh per week. After steaming, I put on 
three pounds per week, and the stock eat the food cleaner, and I 
noticed they laid down quietly after feeding. I also experimented 
with sixty -four cows. Used one of Prin die's steamers; had a 
quantity of musty hay which I cut and steamed. They would 
eat it entirely up, and seemed better satisfied with it than the 
sweetest unsteamed hay. Steamed food does not constipate the 
animal; the hair looks better. I think cutting and steaming com- 
bined, insure a gain to the feeder of at least thirty-three per cent. 
The manure resulting from feeding steamed food, is worth double 
that from feeding in the ordinary way. Have kept eighty head 
of stock, and had a surplus of food, on a farm where, previously, 
only fifty were carried through, and hay bought at that. After 
cows come in, steamed food increases the milk one-third, and the 
cows do better when put out to grass.' 

"George Geddes, in the 'same discussion, says: 'I find if I 
take ten bushels of meal, and wet it in cold water, and feed 
twenty-five hogs with it, that they eat it well ; but if I take the 
same and cook it, it will take the same number of hogs twice as 
long to eat it up, and I think they fatten quite as fast, in the 
same length of time. By cooking you double the bulk.' 



354 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

"A. B. Conger, ex-president of the New York Agricultural 
Society, said at same discussion: 'But steaming alone is not 
sufficient in the preparation of the food. It must be first wet, so 
that if left alone ten hours it will heat. "Water, in large propor- 
tion, must be added to the hay or straw after cutting. And so 
prepared and steamed, thirty head of stock may be kept on the 
same amount of food, as twenty on unprepared food. The 
mistake made in the early experiments in this country and Eng- 
land, was, that the food was not sufficiently wet before steaming.' 

" Professor Mapes says, (Transactions American Institute, 1854, 
page 373): 'Raw food is not in condition to be appropriated to 
the tissues of animal life. The experiment, often tried, has 
proved that eighteen or nineteen pounds of cooked corn, is equal 
to fifty pounds of raw corn for hog food. Mr. Mason, of New 
Jersey, found that pork fed with raw grain, cost twelve and a 
half cents a pound, and that from cooked food, four and a half 
cents. Cooked cornstalks are as soft, and almost as nutritious 
as green stalks. Cooking is an improvement that pays. Cattle 
can be fattened at about half the expense upon cooked food, in a 
warm stable, that others can out doors upon raw food.' 

"S. H. Clay, of Kentucky, says: 'Fed two hogs on uncooked 
corn in thirty days, 405 pounds, and they gained 42 pounds; 
while two hogs fed on cooked corn meal for thirty days, ate 270 
pounds, and gained 80 pounds. The food was then reversed, 
and the two hogs that had previously had dry corn, were fed on 
cooked meal. In twenty-six days, the two hogs that were fed on 
dry food, ate 364 pounds of shelled corn, and gained 44 pounds; 
while the two hogs fed on cooked meal, ate, during the same 
time, only 234 pounds, and gained 74 pounds.' Here it appears 
that a bushel of raw corn makes 5% pounds of pork, while a 
bushel of cooked meal makes I7 l 4 pounds. 

"James Buckingham gives, in the 'Prairie Farmer,' an experi- 
ment with cooked corn meal, corn in the ear, and raw meal. He 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 355 

put three hogs into separate pens. ' One ate three and a half 
bushels of corn in the ear, in nine days, and gained nineteen 
pounds. Another ate, in the same time, one and three-quarter 
bushels of corn ground, and gained nineteen pounds; while the 
third ate, in the same time, one bushel ground and boiled meal, 
and gained twenty-two pounds.' 

"The society of Shakers, at Lebanon, N. Y., communicated 
the following to the agricultural report of the Patent Office : 
'The experience of thirty years, leads us to estimate ground 
corn one-third higher than unground, as a food for cattle, and 
especially for fattening pork. Hence, it has been the practice of 
our society, for more than a quarter of a century, to grind all 
our provender. The same induces us to put a higher value upon 
cooked than raw meal; and for fattening animals, swine particu- 
larly, we consider three of cooked, equal to four of raw meal. 
Our society, annually, for some twenty-seven years, has fattened 
40,000 to 50,000 pounds of pork, and it is the constant practice 
to cook the meal, for which purpose six or seven potash kettles 
are used.' 

"Such is the general tenor of the testimony of those who 
have tested cooking fairly in this country. It will be seen that 
most of the experiments relate to cooking grain. Steaming 
coarse fodder has not been extensively practiced here, but when 
a fair trial has been given, the result has been quite satisfactory. 

"Professor Horsfall, of England, has practiced mixing a 
special food for milk cows, to produce a large yield of milk of 
good quality, and to keep up the flesh of the cow in a full flow 
of milk. He says : ' I now proceed to describe the means I am 
using, to carry out the purposes which I have sought to explain. 
My food for milk cows, after having undergone various modifica- 
cations, has, for two seasons, consisted of rape cake, five pounds, 
and bran, two pounds, for each cow, mixed with a sufficient 
quantity of bean straw, oat straw, and shells of oats, in equal 



356 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

proportions, to supply them three times a day, as much as they 
will eat. The whole of the materials are moistened and blended 
together, and, after being well steamed, are given to the animals 
in a warm state. The attendant is allowed one to one and a 
half pounds per cow, according to circumstances, of bean* meal, 
which he is charged to give each cow, in proportion to the yield 
of milk; those in full milk getting two pounds each per day, 
others but little. It is dry, and mixed with the steamed food on 
its being dealt out separately. Bean straw, uncooked, is dry and 
unpalatable; by the process of steaming, it becomes soft and 
pulpy, emits an agreeable odor, and imparts flavor and relish to 
the mess. In albuminous matter, which is especially valuable 
for milk cows, it has nearly double the proportion contained in 
meadow hay. Bran undergoes a great improvement in its flavor 
by steaming, and is probably improved in its convertibility as 
food. Rape cake has a large proportion (nearly thirty per cent.) 
of albumen, rich in phosphate and oil. * * * During May, 
my cows are turned out on a rich pasture near the homestead ; 
towards evening they are again housed for the night, when they 
are supplied with a mess of steamed mixture and a little hay, 
each morning and evening. I have cooked, or steamed food for 
several years, and my experience of its benefits is such, that if I 
were deprived of it, I could not continue to feed with satisfac- 
tion.' 

"Mr. Mechi, near London, England, has practiced cutting and 
steaming straw, mixed with materials similar to Professor Hors- 
fall. He estimates straw worth about ten dollars per ton, to feed 
after steaming. His experiments have been quite extensive, and 
the results most favorable to cooking food. His practice has not 
generally obtained yet in England, but it is constantly extending, 

* This is the English " horse bean " — a very different article from our American 
field bean— which our climate does not well produce.— L. P. A. 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 357 

and in this country stock feeders are just beginning to turn their 
attention to the subject. 

AMOUNT OF STRAW AND COARSE FODDER "WASTED. 

"If we take the amount of grain and Indian corn raised in 
the United States, as by the census of 1860, we shall find, by 
allowing forty bushels of grain to the ton of straw or corn fodder, 
that there were about 30,000,000 of tons. Now, at least one- 
third of this is wasted, for every purpose except manure, and 
vast quantities not even used for that. Suppose we estimate this 
at one-half the value put upon it by Mr. Mechi, or five dollars per 
ton, and we have the enormous sum of $50,000,000 wasted, for 
want of proper economy, in a single year. We believe this 
estimate much below the real loss." 

To this valuable essay of Mr. Stewart, we add a most oppor 
tune communication, from a thoroughly practical proprietor of a 
sale milk dairy, taken from a late number of "The Country 
Gentleman," published at Albany, N. Y. The article is from 
Mr. Wm. Birnie, of Springfield, Mass. 

"I have practiced steaming feed for my stock since 1858, with 
constantly increasing confidence in its economy. In the autumn 
of that year I found myself with a stock of twenty head of cat- 
tle to carry through the winter with the forage provided for six, 
and was consequently forced to cast about for the most econom- 
ical method of solving that seemingly impracticable problem. I 
immediately set about preparing to cut and steam the fodder. 

"My barn is built on a side-hill, and is three stories in part, 
the principal story on which the barn floor is situated being level 
with the ground on the highest side, and used entirely for the 
storage of hay, grain, &c. The next story below opens on to 
the barnyard, and is used for stabling and a root cellar, being 
under ground at one end. Under a portion of this story is a 



358 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

manure cellar fifty by twenty-eight feet, and eight feet deep, 
which opens on to a still lower yard. 

"On the stable storyjs located the steam arrangement. In 
one corner of the under-ground part, is the boiler room, about ten 
feet square, made as near fire-proof as possible. The chimney 
is built of brick, on the outside, against the corner of the barn, 
and extends about six feet above the roof at that point. The 
boiler (tubular) is about the capacity of a four-horse engine. The 
vat, or chest, in which the steaming is done, is built of brick and 
lined with two-inch plank, tongued and grooved; is six feet 
square inside, and eight feet deep, and extends from the stable 
floor to the barn floor above, with a lid the whole size of the top, 
opening on a level with the floor. There is also a door four feet 
square on one side, near the bottom, for the purpose of taking 
out the feed. The steam pipe passes directly from the boiler to 
the vat, and extends around the four sides and across the middle, 
about six inches above the bottom. Tt is perforated with small 
holes, about six inches apart, for the escape of the steam. Con- 
veniently located at one side, above the vat, is a cask which holds 
about two hundred gallons of water, which is kept full by a pipe 
connected with an aqueduct. 

"The fodder is cut by horse-power on the barn floor, and con- 
sists usually of about one-half corn stalks and straw, and one-half 
good hay. It is thrown from the floor into the vat, and thor- 
oughly wet and mixed with a small quantity of meal or bran, 
according to circumstances, continuing the process until the vat 
is full, and taking care to tread down well, using as much water 
as possible, to cause the fodder to absorb as much water as it will 
hold. 

"I usually direct my foreman to start the fire in the boiler 
before he begins to fill the vat, and by the time it is full the steam 
begins to pass into it. I never attempt to get up much pressure, 
but let the steam pass into the vat as fast as it is generated, and 
like to keep it on three or four hours — the longer the better. 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 359 

"I feed with the steamed mixture morning and evening, and 
with good dry hay at noon. When feeding time arrives, the 
door at the lower side of the vat is opened, and a sufficient quan- 
tity withdrawn into a box, and the door closed at once ; it is 
then carried to the cattle in a basket, giving to each about a 
bushel, less or more, according to size and condition. By the 
time it reaches the cattle it will be quite warm, but not hot. 

"Last winter I steamed but twice a week, finding no unfavor- 
able effect from keeping the feed so long. This was done to save 
labor and fuel. Three times a week is better. 

"My stock for several years has consisted of about fifty head 
of thorough bred Ayrshire cattle, and five horses. 

"Since writing the above, I have seen the article by Mr. Stew- 
art, of North Evans, N. Y., and fully endorse all that he says in 
regard to the economy of this method of feeding, and as to the 
condition of the cattle thus fed, I consider the saving even more 
than he names." 

We close this prolonged dissertation, by giving the following 
sensible remarks from a late number of "The Country Gentle- 
man," which, although not strictly applicable to cooking food, are 
important as showing the necessity of fully feeding the cow for 
milk purposes: 

"A certain amount of food is necessary for the mere mainte- 
nance of the cow. Suppose this is 1 5 pounds of hay a day, or 
its equivalent in straw. On this diet, the cow gives no milk, 
and does not increase in fat or flesh. The food is all expended 
in keeping her alive. Now, if we give 20 pounds of hay a day, 
we may get one-fourth of a pound of butter per day; if 25 
pounds, one-half pound of butter per day; if 30 pounds,, three- 
fourths pound of butter per day, and with 35 pounds, one pound 
of butter per day. If the cow could eat and digest, and turn into 
butter, 40 pounds per day, we should get one and one-quarter 
pounds per day. In other words, 15 pounds of hay per day 
gives us nothing ; 20 pounds gives us one-quarter pound of but 



360 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

ter, and 40 pounds gives us one and one-quarter pounds. We 
double the food, and get five times the amount of butter. If we 
could get the cow to eat and turn into butter 60 pounds of hay 
a day, we should get two and one-quarter pounds of butter per 
day. In other words, three times the food would give us nine 
times the amount of butter. If the cow had sufficient capacity 
to eat and turn into butter 80 pounds of hay per day, she would 
give three and one-quarter pounds of butter per day. In this 
case we feed four times the amount of food, and get thirteen times 
the amount of butter. 

"To put the matter in another light, suppose a farmer has 
54 tons of hay. If he fed it to cows at the rate of 15 pounds 
per cow per day, it would be nearly enough for twenty cows for 
one year. From these, on the basis supposed, he would get 
nothing. He would lose all his feed, (except manure,) all his 
time and labor, all the interest on the money invested in the cows, 
and probably some of the principal. 

"If he fed 20 pounds per day, he could keep sixteen cows a 
year. These would give him 28 pounds of butter per week. 

"If he fed 40 pounds, he could keep eight cows a year, and 
these would give him 70 pounds of butter a week. 

"If he fed 64 pounds per day, he could keep five cows a year, 
and these would give him 86 pounds of butter per week. 

"In other words, reckoning the season at 40 weeks, the 54 
tons of hay when fed to 



20 cows, gives None. 

16 cows, " 1520 pounds. 



8 cows, gives 2800 pounds. 
5 cows, " 3420 



"Now, if we could get our cows to eat 64 pounds of hay a 
day, or even 40 pounds good clover hay, at the prices named, it 
would be by far the cheapest food we could use. But this can- 
not be done; the digestive organs of the cow are not powerful 
enough. But we can get a cow to eat 40, 50 or 60 pounds of 
hay equivalent. "We do this by feeding in conjunction with hay 
or roots, corn meal, oil cake or other food containing a large 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOD. 36] 

amount of nutriment in a small bulk. Such foods may not 
afford a given amount of nutriment at as cheap a rate as it could 
be got in hay, but for the reasons we have mentioned, may be 
much the more profitable food for the dairyman. 

"There is manifestly a great gain in giving a cow all the food 
she can turn into butter and cheese, and the judgment and skill 
of the dairyman is shown in ascertaining this amount. Some 
cows will bear much higher feeding than others. 

"The great aim of a dairy farmer should be to get hay of the 
very best quality. Few people realize what a difference there 
is in the quality of hay. The time of cutting and the method 
of curing affects it very much — and this is a point often dis- 
cussed by our agricultural writers. But the quality of the land 
has equally as much to do with it, and this is seldom alluded to. 
The hay from deep, clean, well drained land, highly manured, is 
worth as much again per ton as that from poor, weedy, wet land. 
And if we have succeeded in showing the importance of more 
nutriment in a given bulk, it will be understood how much we 
gain from having rich grass lands." 

To all the foregoing, for a full summary of the worth of the 
various kinds of cattle food, we give the following analysis of 
nutriment contained in the articles named, taken from a late 
number of the "American Agriculturist:" 

" According to experiments conducted in France and Germany, 
one hundred pounds of good hay is equal in alimentary value to 



400 lbs. green clover. 


45 lbs. wheat. 


275 " green Indian corn. 


54 " barley. 


374 " wheat straw. 


59 " oats. 


442 " rye straw. 


57 " Indian corn. 


195 " oat straw. 


62 " sunflower seed. 


400 " dried corn stalks. 


69 " linseed cake. 


275 " carrots. 


105 " wheat bran. 


54 " rye. 





16 



otj'2 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

TO CONCLUDE THE SUBJECT, 

We might multiply recorded experiments of the kind, showing, 
beyond controversy, the economy of cooking cattle food, either 
for fattening them into beef, or producing milk, during the winter 
season. 

In the various public discussions which we have heard on the 
subject, where experienced and practiced men have given their 
opinions, the labor question appeared the main obstacle to its 
more general adoption. The extra cost of preparing the proper 
buildings -and machinery, for cutting and cooking food, offers 
another objection. This may be a valid one where only a tem- 
porary pursuit of the business is intended; but as a permanent 
occupation, the investment of the additional capital required to 
make a complete and perfect arrangement, is of paramount 
importance. Milk dairies are as necessary, and will be of as 
long continuance, as the production of any other food for man. 
There is no reason, therefore, why the milk dairyman should hesi- 
tate to establish the machinery, for the most profitable production 
of the article, than the miller, or other manufacturer should 
shrink from building a good mill, for fear that at a future time 
he might change his business. The milk dairies about London, 
and other large European cities, are as permanent in their pur- 
suits, as any other which minister to the wants and necessities 
of the population demanding their supplies. 

It is hardly within the province of this work to go into the 
plans of building, necessary to carry out the various details to 
which our suggestions may lead. Indeed, were we to submit 
plans or diagrams of barns, stables, sheds, and feeding arrange- 
ments, for stock cattle, stall-feeding, or milk dairies, the particular 
locality of the various parties needing them might require dif- 
ferent ones; perhaps no one of them, in all its details, would 
answer the purpose demanded by the immediate circumstances 
of the dairyman, or stall-feeder. Mr. Stewart's suggestions of 



CUTTING AND COOKING FOOb. 363 

the 'machinery for cooking cattle food, are sensible, and a part, 
if not all of his details, may be safely adopted. The same may 
be said of Mr. Birnie's. 

We consider steam, or at least horse power, indispensable to 
the economical prosecution of the work, where any considerable 
number of cattle or cows are kept. To the remarks of the above 
named gentlemen, we will add, that the machinery should be 
placed in a compact position, in a central building — of, at least, 
two stories for the storage of the food and its manipulation. 
From the main building, wing stables of one, or two, stories 
may stretch off on either, or both sides, with double rows of 
stalls, and a six-foot passage, for a tram railway, between 
them — the heads of the cows to the passage — for distributing 
the food. Over them, hay, or other forage may be stored for 
use, as wanted. Wells, cisterns, or other water supplies, should 
be made in close proximity, and other conveniences added, that 
the best economy of labor, and expenditure of forage may 
demand. 

We may as well say here, as anywhere, that the best develop- 
ment of the productions of our cattle, either in flesh, or dairy, 
require thought and investigation, as well as moneyed capital. 
These pursuits are most mistakenly considered, by many aspiring 
people engaged in the more active, and speculative, yet uncertain 
branches of industry, to be of a vulgar order, fitted only for 
uneducated minds. We deny the fact altogether. Large for- 
tunes may not be so rapidly accumulated in these pursuits as in 
some others; nor are they so readily lost. They are just as 
honorable, and just as respectable as any others; and it is because 
the same amount of brain and investigation have not been exer- 
cised in them, as in some other branches of business, that they 
are not so considered ; and when it is demonstrated that the 
proper application of knowledge and skill, will. add to the profit 
cf their productions, there can be no good reason why these 



364 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

labors should not be embraced by men of mind, as well as means. 
We have shown, conclusively, as we believe, that a saving of 
material, to the extent of full one-fourth, to one-third, can be 
made in the expenditure of forage, by cutting and cooking cattle 
food, for the production of both flesh, and milk; and that saving, 
added to the ordinary gains under the common negligent system, 
would result in a handsome additional profit. The business is 
certainly profitable now, as so negligently carried on, or it would 
not be pursued. A due reform, in an improved, over the present 
wasteful system, in either of these branches of feeding, would 
add many millions annually to our aggregate wealth. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

MILK COWS THEIR SELECTION. 

We have elsewhere remarked on the breeding of milk cows; 
but a special chapter is necessary to fully enforce our ideas on so 
important a branch of this treatise. The great mass of our 
dairy cows are yet of the common, or native kind — good, per- 
haps, in the main, but, in the mass of them, capable of great 
improvement in their lacteal qualities. Could we, by a dash of 
the pen, at once convert them all into high grades, of one or 
more of the established milking breeds, it would add a large per- 
centage to the ordinary yield of milk now obtained from them, 
and the consequent profit in their use. But, that being impossi- 
ble, our only course is to show how we can select the best, and 
obtain from them an average of one-fourth, or one-third more 
milk, butter, and cheese, than they now yield, and at little, or no 
more expense in keeping — thus adding largely to the productive 
capital invested in them. 

We now labor under two important difficulties in using the 
common cows of our country. One is, their average low capacity 
for yielding milk ; the other is the uncertainty in their selection 
for that purpose, when young, and untried. These difficulties 
are radical, and cannot be remedied short of many years of time 
in selection and breeding, on the part of both cows and bulls, 
and then with still uncertain results ; while to make sure of per- 
manent, certain, and unfailing milkers, we have only to resort to 
breeds already long established, and which are measurably within 
our reach. We find that in these established milking breeds, they 



^366 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

have certain positive marks which indicate their high milking 
qualities, with a considerable degree of certainty. This is no 
small advantage in their possession. It is certain that we are 
less liable to be mistaken in their selection, than in cows to which 
no such distinctive marks attach. 

As we have elsewhere said, no one breed is equally fitted for 
all localities. Therefore, the dairyman, or he who keeps but one 
or two family cows, should know from observation, if not by 
experience, the best variety for his use, and adopt it. Yet, all 
good milkers show certain indications of possessing that quality, 
and we shall speak of those indications only, leaving it to the 
dairyman to make his own proper selection of breeds. 

We are in the possession of a little book, published in Edin- 
burgh, Scotland, in the year 1843, entitled, "How to Choose a 
Good Milk Cow," by a French author, J. H. Magne, Professor 
of the Veterinary School, Alfort, with a supplement, containing, 
"Hints for Selecting," by John Haxton. It is so applicable to 
our purpose that we shall offer no apology for presenting extracts 
from it — although it may partially repeat what we have already 
written — as being better than anything which we can offer wholly 
from our own pen : 

GENERAL MARKS. BREED. 

"We find good milkers in all breeds, but they are rare in 
some, and very common in others. It could not be otherwise. 
Milking properties, depending on the conditions which determine 
the formation of breeds, are due partly to the climate, the soil, 
the air, and the plants of the countries where -the breeds have 
originated; and must, therefore, vary in our different breeds of 
horned cattle, with the hygienic conditions peculiar to each 
locality. 

"Milkers, and more especially animals intended for breeding, 
must be selected among breeds celebrated for abundance of milk. 
Not that we can hope to import into our deoartment, with a 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 367 

dry and warm climate, all the qualities of the excellent milking 
breeds possessed by countries in which the soil is fertile, the air 
moist, and the sky often cloudy ; but as the influences of climate, 
though very marked, take effect only in the long run, the prop- 
erties of the animals imported are maintained — though subject, 
doubtless, to gradual deterioration — during a period which varies 
with the precaution taken to preserve thern ; and for several gen- 
erations, the descendants of the individuals of a good imported 
breed, give more milk than individuals belonging to a breed 
formed on the spot, when hygienic circumstances are not favor- 
able to milking properties. 

"It is not to be forgotten, moreover, that under the influence 
of particular circumstances, which it is sometimes impossible to 
call into existence, animals manifest properties which we cannot 
produce directly. This explains why it is often more advanta- 
geous to import qualities possessed by foreign stock, than to fry 
to develop them in native stock. 

DESCENT 

"As milking qualities are, in a great measure, dependent on 
structure and temperament, which are more or less hereditary, 
descent exercises a great influence. 

"In each breed, therefore, we should choose individuals belong- 
ing to the best stocks, and the offspring of parents remarkable 
for their milking qualities; for it is certain that good milk cows 
produce others which resemble them. 

"But it is, especially, when selecting stock for the purpose of 
breeding milk cows, that particular care should be taken to select 
individuals belonging to good families. A cow of a bad milking 
family, or even breed, may occasionally be an excellent milker, 
and more than this is not wanted when it is not meant to breed 
from her. The same cannot be said when breeding is intended, 
because there would be little chance of her transmitting the acci- 
dental, or exceptional qualities possessed by her; whereas the 



H68 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

qualities forming the fixed and constant characters of the stock 
would, almost to a certainty, be transmitted to descendants. 

"These remarks, with regard to breed and parentage, apply to 
the selection of the bull, which, as experience demonstrates, acts 
like the cow in transmitting the milking qualities which distinguish 
the breed and stock. 

DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 

"These organs have a powerful influence on the exercise of 
all the functions, and particularly on the secretion of the milky 
glands. Where the digestive organs are defective, good milk 
cows are rarely met with. 

"A good state of the digestive organs is evinced by the fol- 
lowing particulars : 

"A belly of moderate size, with yielding sides, free from tight- 
ness : in aged beasts, the belly is often large, though the organs 
which it contain are in good condition ; 

"A large mouth, thick and strong lips; 

"A good appetite, easy and quick digestion; 

"Glossy hair, supple skin, with a kind of unctuous feel. 

"Animals possessing these anatomical and physiological prop- 
erties, eat well, drink much, and if they are properly fed, make 
much blood, and yield large quantities of milk. 

RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

"The respiratory organs complete the system of nutrition. 
The object of the lungs is to bring the substance furnished by 
the food into contact with the air, and make it capable of nourish- 
ing; they digest air as the stomach digests food. Hence a good 
form, and a healthy condition of the organs of the chest, are 
necessary to the production of much milk. 

"Their ability to fulfill their functions is evinced — when they 
are large, and lodged in a spacious cavity ; in other words, when 
the chest is wide, deep, and prominent — when the ribs are long, 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 369 

and strongly arched throughout their whole length, and more 
especially at the upper extremity — when the withers are thick, 
and the brisket rounded behind the arm and elbow — when the 
spine is long, straight, horizontal, (not saddle-backed,) and the 
loins are wide — when the air is inhaled without any appearance 
of hurry, and exhaled from the chest in great puffs. 

"The movements of the flank are free, easy, and extensive, in 
beasts which breathe well. 

"These properties of the digestive and respiratory organs indi- 
cate that digestion and respiration, being well performed, furnish 
an abundant and rich blood ; all the organs being in a state of 
activity favorable for the exercise of their functions. Animals 
combining these properties in full vigor, are capable either of 
performing much work, or fattening rapidly, or giving much 
milk, according to the predominance either of the power of 
motion, viz.: the bones or muscles; or of the nutritive system, 
viz.: the cellular and adipose tissues; or of the organs for pro- 
viding milk, viz.: the glands giving milky secretions, and the 
milk vessels. 

SHAPE. 

"Active milking glands are seldom found united with the 
graceful, rounded forms, which constitute what is vulgarly called 
beauty in quadrupeds. Most frequently, good milkers have sharp 
points, and appear more or less loose and flabby. In regard to 
bony structure, they may be as well formed as cows remarkable 
for their readiness to fatten, or ability to work; but, being seldom 
in plump condition, they seem lean and raw-boned. 

"Hence, when a herd of cows have all been fed and kept in 
the same way, it would not be proper to fix upon the beautiful 
as the best milkers. In so doing, we should be almost invariably 
mistaken. In the hind- quarters, there is often something defec- 
tive in regard to form : they are largely developed, but the flesh 
is not in proportion to the bone, and the bony protuberances 

are very visible ; the haunches stick out, and the pelvis is wide ■ 
16* 



370 , AMERICAN CATTLE. 

the legs, standing far apart, leave a considerable space as a recep- 
tacle for large milk vessels. (See plate 30.) 

"The blood flows in great abundance to the milky glands, and 
keeps them in activity at the expense of the other organs ; the 
muscles are slender, the buttocks and thighs small and narrow. 

"The cows we recommend as milkers, are those whose chine, 
instead of being all of one piece, shows, towards its center, a 
space occupied by a kind of shrivelling, the effect of the distance 
between the spinous processes of the vertebras:* the process of 
the last dorsalf vertebras is strongly bent forward. 

"In some cows, we have observed that this distinguished 
mark, is owing to the processes of the last dorsal vertebras. In 
that case, the back has, at its middle, instead of a wrinkled or 
shrivelled part, a depression which is continued to the rump. 

"When this mark exists, the chine J is often double in its 
posterior half; the ridge of the vertebrae is large and wide, and 
seems forked, and a slight depression prevails along the medial 
line of the body, and is more especially visible near the rump. 

"This mark is much looked for in Flanders, where great 
importance is attached to it; and among the dairymen of Paris, 
as well as the south of France, where a common saying is, that 
a cow will be productive of milk, especially when, towards the 
middle of the spine of the back, the processes stand apart so as 
leave two spaces of two fingers' width. 

"If the chine is double, the vertebras are thicker, the haunches 
more apart, and the loins and rump of greater width; in this 
case, the hind quarters are more largely developed, the pelvis 
more ample, and, consequently, the organs lodged in the cavity, 
and even the milk vessels, of larger dimensions. 

CONSTITUTION. 

"It is desirable that the special marks which indicate a great 
activity of the milky glands, and, consequently, a good milker, 



* Joints of the back bone, t Pertaining to the back. % The back bone. 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 3V1 

should be united with those which imply a good constitution 
These are large lungs, a broad and prominent chest, a some- 
what slow respiration, an abdomen of moderate dimensions, a 
good appetite, and a great inclination to drink — an inclination 
stimulated by the abundant secretion of milk. 

"Such cows eat much, digest easily, and breathe well: they 
make good blood. This fluid gives activity to the nervous sys- 
tem, makes all the organs lively, and furnishes the glands with 
the materials of a copious secretion. 

" Cows possessing these properties last long, give much milk, 
and, when they become dry, soon fatten. 

" But it often happens that activity and vigor in the milky 
glands, are united with close ribs, narrow, feeble lungs, delicate 
digestive organs, a moderate appetite, and frequently an ardent 
thirst. In that case, the cows have a bad constitution, they can 
give much milk, but it is watery, and of bad quality, and they 
often die of disease of the lungs. 

"These cows seldom have many calves, though they show a 
great inclination for the bull ; and they are difficult to fatten, 
even when they are in good health, and not giving milk. 

GENERAL APPEARANCE. 

"In all breeds, the preference should be given to cows which, 
in form, are the farthest removed from that of bulls; to cows 
with small bones, fine and slender limbs, and a tail which is fine 
at its base; a small but longish head, narrowing towards the 
horns; the horns themselves of a bright color, tapering finely, 
and glistening; a supple and soft, unctuous skin, covered, even 
on the forehead, with erect, glossy, soft hair, and provided, near 
the natural passages, with a short, fine, and silky down ; a small 
neck, and shoulders apparently long, because slender, especially 
near the head ; small eyelids, well divided, but not much wrinkled ■ 
prominent eye, and a gentle, feminine look. 



372 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" With these marks of a feminine description, cows should 
unite a sanguine-lymphatic temperament, and especially a mild 
disposition. Good milkers allow themselves to be easily milked; 
often, while ruminating, they look with a pleased eye, easily recog- 
nized, at the person who milks them; they like to be caressed, 
and caress in return. 

COLOR. 

" We do not mention color as a sign of milking qualities, for 
we find good milkers among black Dutch cows, and red Flemish 
cows, as well as among white cows, and the wheat-colored cows 
of Bresse. Color may be of great value, but it is chiefly as 
indicating the origin of the animal. The Flemings and Nor- 
mans are very careful in preserving the colors of their horned 
cattle, but it is only because a red color, serving to characterize 
animals of Flemish, and a brindled color those of the Norman 
breed, facilitate the sale. 

THE HYGIENIC CONDITIONS TO WHICH COWS HAVE BEEN SUB- 
JECTED, THEIR AGE, AND THE NUMBER OF CALVES THEY 
HAVE HAD. 

u Qows which have been calved in a mild and somewhat moist 
climate, and which have received due care, and abundance of good 
moist food, are generally good milkers. 

"As happens in the case of all organs, the milky glands are 
developed by the exercise of their functions, and hence cows 
never give so much milk after their first and second, as after 
their subsequent calvings, especially when they have been made 
to calve young, before the development of their organs. It is 
after they have reared several calves, and been treated with 
regularity for a long time, that they give most milk. 

"Here, however, we may take the opportunity of advising 
those who wish to have excellent cows, not to select animals 
five or six years old, exposed at fairs. Cows at that age are 
seldom sold, if free from fault. 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 373 

"We have observed, in all fairs and large markets, that there 
are very few good cows among those which have had three or 
four calves; the good are confined to the young or aged. 

"Artificial nursing has numerous advantages, in several re- 
spects, but some persons think that it is not favorable to the 
secretion of the milky glands; they believe that cows which 
have suckled their calves, and whose glands have been long 
stimulated by the mouth of one or several sucklings, have 
always much more milk than those whose teats have only been 
in contact with the hands of a milker. 

"It is conceivable that the gentle heat, the moisture of the 
lips, the agitation produced in the glands, and the powerful suc- 
tion of the calves, may Have much more effect in stimulating the 
milky glands than a hand, sometimes brutal, and almost always 
defective in intelligence. It does not seem, however, that this 
influence is so great as might be supposed, for there are many 
countries where they get on very well without allowing calves 
to suckle ; indeed, artificial suckling is very much on the increase. 

DISEASES BY WHICH COWS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. 

"The influence of disease, which maybe easily comprehended, 
is sometimes very great, and lasts during life. Affections which 
make great changes on the principal organs — the lungs, the 
stomach, the intestines, and the womb, and those which derange 
the functions of digestion and respiration — lessen the secretion 
of milk, and often render the liquid watery and bad. 

"Local diseases — those which cause acute pain — those which 
have their seat in the extremities, or in the mouth, and hamper 
the animal, either in walking among the grass, or in taking food, 
diminish the secretion of milk, even when they do not affect the 
exercise of the principal functions of life. 

"But among local diseases, affections of the milky glands have 
the greatest influence in regard to milk. They attack sometimes 



374 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

a part, and sometimes the whole of the udder. Thus cows, 
which, after their first calf, give milk equally by four teats, often 
after a disease of the udder, give it only by three, two, and occa- 
sionally by no more than one. 

"It is not always easy to discover diseases of the milky glands, 
when they have become chronic, and the organs have ceased to 
be painful. Most commonly, however, the diseased part is harder, 
or more flabby, or more bulky, or somewhat shrivelled; some- 
times, too, it is painful on pressure. The teat corresponding to 
the diseased gland, may be hardened or shrivelled; it is blind if 
the disease is of very long standing. 

"Cows which have the udder unequal, covered with lumps, 
and not of the same consistency and suppleness throughout, must 
be classed with those having diseased glands. 

LOCAL MARKS. UDDER, INCLUDING MILKY GLANDS AND TEATS. 

"This organ is formed principally by the glands which secrete 
the milk, and called milky glands. These, four in number, two 
on each side, are sometimes designated by the name of quarters, 
each constituting nearly a fourth part of the udder. 

"The udder is composed, moreover, of skin, cellular tissue, 
fat, lymphatic ganglions, vessels, &c. 

"In almost all cows, the abundance of milk is proportioned to 
the size of the mamelles. The marks indicating that these 
glands are constituted so as to produce much milk, are as fol- 
lows: 

"A very large development of the hind-quarter, a wide and 
strong lumbar region, a long rump, haunches and hind legs wide 
apart, a large space for lodging the udder, milky glands well 
developed, and causing the udder to be of considerable size. 
(See plate 29.) 

"We may here observe that it is necessary to pay attention 
to the nature of the udder; its size may depend on the quantity 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 375 

of cellular tissue, on the thickness of the skin, the abundance of 
fat, or the largeness of the gland. In good cows, the gland 
constitutes a very great part of it, and accordingly, after milk- 
ing, it shrinks much, and becomes soft, flabby, and very wrinkled. 
" A greasy udder, also called fleshy, is of uniform texture, and 
firm; it resists pressure, and scarcely lessens on being squeezed; 
it is almost as bulky, and has as much consistency after milking, 
as before. 

"Dealers, to prove that the udder is not fleshy, draw back the 
skin which covers it; when it stretches much, they consider it a 
good sign, and call the attention of buyers to it. In fact, it is 
conceived that skin which has been habitually distended by great 
quantities of milk, should be looser, and more capable of stretch- 
ing, than that which has not undergone the same alternations of 
distension and relaxation. (There are "jockeys" in the coiv 
trade as well as in horses. — L. F. A.) 

"Another object of the dealers, in thus stretching the udder, 
is to show that the cows are of a good kind, that they have a 
fine, soft, and supple skin. We must observe, however, that in 
all cows the skin of the udder has these properties; in different 
degrees, it is true, but still in degrees, the difference of which 
few buyers are able to estimate. It is on the ribs that the skin 
ought to be examined, for that is the region where the differ 
ences, presented by the different breeds of cattle, are most per- 
ceptible. 

"Some persons attach importance to the form of the udder. 
We know some who look for an attached udder; that is, an 
udder, the glands of which extend forward, and seem glued to 
the belly. 

"But we have seen very good cows among those in which the 
udder is bottle-shaped, and hanging much, as well as among 
those in which it is placed high. The size and nature are the 
points which it is of importance to take into consideration. 



376 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

"The udder should be large and not fleshy. If so, we may 
rest assured that the milky reservoirs are spacious, and that the 
glands, consequently, furnish much milk. 

"The teats are of less importance than the glands. In the 
cow there are five or six, of which one or two behind are very 
small, and seldom give milk. 

"The four in front, the only ones necessary to be taken into 
account, are nearly equal. They become large or small, accord- 
ing to the time during which the cows are milked or sucked ; 
and this explains why they are large in cows which give much 
milk, because such cows must be milked often, and for a long 
period. Indeed, it is only in this way that their size indicates 
the quantity of milk. 

"The two hinder teats usually furnish more milk than the two 
in front, because the two hinder glands, or, as they are called, 
posterior quarters, are almost always the largest in size. 

"The teats should be pliant, not blind, covered with a soft 
skin, and free from indurations, such as those produced by shrivel- 
ling. The warts, which are very frequently observed, are usually 
without sensation, and cause no inconvenience: it is better, how- 
ever, when they are wanting, for they may make milking painful, 
and, by causing the cows to become restive, spill the milk, or 
lessen its quantity. 

"The name of uddered, is given to cows which, having been 
left long unmilked, have the udder hard, swollen, and painful. 
Dealers, to give the appearance of good milkers, go the length 
of tying the teats. (A most dishonest way, which we have 
sometimes seen. — L. F. A.) This practice might have trouble- 
some consequences. It is sufficient to make it known. It is a 
sure sign that cows have been left long unmilked, when the 
udder is hard, and much distended, in proportion to its size; 
when the teats are stiff, wide apart, often painful, and allow milk 
to escape, though they are not touched. 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 377 

•'The position of the teats is not of great importance, and yet 
it is desirable that they be apart from each other, as indicating 
that the milk vessels are spacious. This peculiarity is observed 
in the best cows. (See plate 30.) When the teats are crowded 
together, the glands are small, and the milk by no means abun- 
dant. 

"It is necessary, however, in determining the influence exer- 
cised, by the position of the teats, to pay attention to the form 
of the udder. When it is long, like a bottle, the cow may be 
good, though the teats be close. The milk vessels are then 
developed from top to bottom, instead of from side to side, and 
between, before, and behind. (A hanging, or bottle-shaped 
udder, we would never select, unless assured that the cow was 
an extraordinary milker. They are always in the way of acci- 
dents, when the cow is traveling, besides unsightly. — L. F. A.) 

VEINS. 

" Of all marks for ascertaining good cows, the best are afforded 
by the blood vessels; if the veins which surround the udder are 
large, winding, and varicose, (dilated at intervals,) they show that 
the glands receive much blood, and, consequently, that their func- 
tions are active, and that the milk is abundant. 

VEINS OF THE STOMACH, OR LACTEAL VEINS. 

"The veins on the lateral parts of the belly are most easily 
observed, and all authors have fixed on them, as one of the best 
tests for ascertaining the activity of the glands. 

"These veins issue from the udder, in front, and at the outer 
angle, where they form, in very good cows, a considerable vari- 
cose swelling. They proceed toward the front part of the body, 
forming angles, more or less distinct, often divide towards their 
anterior extremity, and sink into the body by several openings. 
(See plate 26.) 

"We can make the size of the lacteal veins visible to the eye 
by touching them, by compressing them in their passage, or, in 



378 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

fine, by pressing them at the place where they penetrate into the 
flesh. In the last case, we sink the skin and the finger into the 
opening through which the vein passes: the width of this open- 
ing represents the diameter of the vein, and then the thickness 
of the finger, which stops it, represents that of the column of 
blood whose place it occupies. It is superfluous to add that, 
when the veins arc divided, it is necessary to examine all the 
openings by which they pass, in order to form a correct estimate. 

"Milk ways, is the name given to the openings of which we 
have just been speaking. They are traversed by the lacteal 
veins at the moment when these disappear in the body. 

"At the times when cows are not giving milk, the lacteal 
veins, little swollen, are not in accordance with the milking quali- 
ties. It is then necessary, for determining these qualities, to 
compress the vein at its anterior extremity, in order to stop the 
blood, and make the vein swell up. A good method of produc- 
ing this result, consists in thrusting the finger into the opening 
by which the vein penetrates into the body. This process enables 
us, moreover, to determine the size of the vein, for when the 
blood diminishes, this opening contracts less rapidly than the 
vein. 

VEINS OF THE UDDER, AND OF THE PERINEUM. 

"The veins of the udder, and the perinaeum, or twist, to which 
hitherto sufficient importance has not been given, are able to 
furnish valuable indications. They should, in both cases, be 
highly developed, large and varicose; that is, exhibit inflations 
and nodosities. 

"The veins of the udder have no definite direction. They 
present themselves very irregularly, under the form of zigzag 
lines, knotted, and more or less oblique. They are never of very 
large size, except in cows which give great quantities of milk. 
(See plate 28.) 

"The veins of the twist directed from above, downward, form- 
ing a winding line, interspersed with knots, resemble those of the 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 379 

udder, in not being visible either in heifers or in beasts of mid- 
dling quality. We cannot ascertain their presence in any but 
very good cows. 

"Of all the marks of abundant milky secretion, the best, and 
indeed the only infallible marks, are furnished by the veins of 
the twist and of the udder. But, although the surest, they are 
not absolutely decisive. 

"To estimate them, it is necessary to take into account the 
state of the cows in respect of flesh, the thickness of the skin, 
food, general activity, fatigue, journeys, heat; all the circum- 
stances, in short, which cause variations in the general state of 
the circulation, and in the dilatation of the veins. It is neces- 
sary, moreover, to recollect that in both sexes, all the veins are 
larger in the old than in the young; that the veins which encir- 
cle the udder are those which, if the cows are in milk, vary 
most, according to the different periods of life; though scarcely 
apparent in youth, they are of considerable size, when, after 
several calvings, the operation of milking has given the gland 
its full development. 

"This proportion between the size of the veins and the milk 
secreted, is observed in all females without exception. The 
largeness of the veins and their varicose state, being a conse- 
quence of the quantity of blood attracted by the activity of the 
milky glands, is not only the sign, but also the measure of this 
activity; the connection between the two phenomena is such, 
that, if the glands do not give an equal quantity of milk, the 
larger veins are on the side of the gland which gives the laro-er 
quantity. 

DURATION AND QUALITIES OF THE MILK. MARKS FOR ASCER- 
TAINING HOW LONG MILK IS GIVEN. 

"The length of time during which milk is given, corresponds 
with the activity of the organs which supply it. Cows which 
give most milk a day, also give it longest; and hence, if no 



380 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

special mark is perceived, we can judge of the duration of milk, 
by the marks which determine its quantity. Here we are rarely 
mistaken. 

"We ought to add, however, that we have never observed 
any cow very well marked in regard to veins which did not keep 
her milk. We repeat, therefore, that the marks of an abundant 
milker, may be considered as indicating a long continuance 
of milk. 

MARKS FOR ASCERTAINING THE QUALITY OF THE MILK. 

"The quality of the milk depends much on the quality of the 
food, on the period which has elapsed since calving, and on the 
precise moment when the milk has been taken; immediately 
after calving, the milk is always of bad quality, and it is always 
oetter the older it is, or the longer it is since the cow calved. 
At each milking, and as long as milk is given, that which is 
drawn off at first, is more watery than that which is obtained 
last. We remark also, that the milk is improved by remaining 
in its reservoirs, and that cows which are milked twice a day, 
give better milk than those which are milked thrice during the 
same time. 

" Cows fed with fresh, watery food, give a milk which is too 
wheyey and too poor; those kept on dry, hard food, give a milk 
which is not abundant, but of good quality ; the cream, however, 
separates with difficulty if it is not aided in its ascent by a mild 
temperature, and by adding a little lukewarm water. 

"Cows whose food is varied, tolerably liquid, and devoid of 
bad smells and tastes, have a good milk; those fed on articles 
with a strong taste, on cabbages, turnips, radishes, and garlic, 
give a milk which, in taste and smell, bespeaks these plants. 
Oleaginous food, and oilcake, also produce bad milk. 

"In fine, it has been several times observed, that even the 
mineral poisons taken by cows and goats, in too small quantities 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 381 

to hurt them, reappear in their milk in quantity large enough to 
impart noxious properties to it. 

"All the causes which make the quantity of the milk to vary 
— labor, drinks, perspiration — also modify its composition, and 
consequently its qualities. In general, cows which perspire little 
and give most milk, give it inferior. 

" Temperament exerts a great influence on the quality of the 
milk; for, of several cows, placed under the same apparent con- 
ditions, and fed in the same way, some give a better milk than 
others; but the causes which determine these differences are 
unknown, and we cannot give any mark which ascertains their 
effects with certainty. 

"Still, according to M. G-uenon, there is a correspondence 
between the composition of the milk, and the state of the skin 
which covers the perinaeum, or twist; a soft, unctious skin, of a 
yellow saffron color, parting with a fine, yellowish dust, when it 
'is rubbed, and a fine, pliant, furry hair, indicate a milk of good 
quality, and rich in butter. 

"We know only one method of ascertaining the qualities of 
milk, and that is by examining it ; good milk is of a very slightly 
yellowish-white color, and of considerable consistency; its con- 
sistency may be ascertained by pouring it in little drops on a 
solid body. Bad milk, of a bluish and watery white, spreads in 
thin sheets when it is poured out. 

"Some persons have the organ of taste in sufficient perfection, 
to determine the quality of the milk by sipping it. 

"As to the dust which adheres to the perinaeum, or twist, and 
whose unctious feel, fineness, and yellow color, indicate, accord- 
ing to some authors, a buttery milk of good quality, we have 
never been able to study it, though we have often tried on cows 
whose milking qualities we knew to be very good. 

"The nature of the dust taken from the skin, and the state of 
cows in regard to flesh, may one day furnish indications as to the 



382 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

quantities of butter contained in their milk, but science still 
requires to make new observations on this subject. 

SELECTION OF STOCK FOR THE PURPOSE OF BREEDING GOOD 
MILK COWS. 

"It is more difficult to select stock for breeding good milk cows, 
than to select good milkers; for the breeders must, like good 
cows, possess well-developed properties, and must, moreover, 
have the faculty of transmitting these properties to their descen- 
dants. Now, this latter condition is not indicated by any known 
mark; we can only have probable ground for believing that 
animals possess it — first, by employing animals on trial; and 
next, by a special application of the marks which have now been 
considered. 

"The fixed characteristics of breed — the characteristics which 
have existed in races for several generations, are those which are 
transmitted with most certainty. Hence, as we have said, in 
speaking of breed and parentage — follows the necessity of choos- 
ing milk cows in good breeds and good families ; and this, as we 
have also said, applies particularly to breeding stock. The ana- 
tomical arrangements which cause much milk to be given by 
cows, combining all the properties of good milkers — large hind- 
quarters, wide rump, highly-developed milk arteries and nerves, 
and large udder veins — are more surely hereditary than the excep- 
tional properties observed in some individuals, which milk well, 
though they have not the marks which usually distinguish good 
milk cows. 

"A cow, then, which has none of the marks of a good milker, 
however excellent she may be, ought not to be employed, with- 
out extreme caution, in raising stock; for it is to be feared that 
her progeny, male and female, will not inherit the exceptional 
properties which she possesses. Even should they resemble 
their mother, they will always be difficult of sale, and unprofit- 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 383 

able, from not possessing the marks which are now looked for in 
milkers. For the breeder who wishes to find buyers, it is not 
sufficient that his stock possess good qualities; it is, moreover, 
necessary, that these qualities be manifested externally by the 
recognized marks. 

"It must not be thought, however, though it is often said, that 
nature is capricious, or that chance presides over her operations, 
because it is sometimes difficult for us to explain her works ! 
Her procedure is uniform, and her plan always skillfully framed, 
but her methods are numerous, and her products diversified. 

"To explain the variations in the hereditary transmission of 
milking qualities, let us not forget that these qualities are not 
observed in wild cows; that they are produced, when man is 
able, by a particular discipline, by the act of milking, the separa- 
tion of the sexes, &c, to make certain natural powers more 
active than others; but that the qualities disappear as soon as 
these powers, the nature of the soil, the peculiarities of climate, 
the properties of plants, the temperament of the cows, are again 
allowed to act, according to the original plan of creation; so that 
the variations which we consider as caprices of nature, are incon- 
testable proofs of the uniformity of her works. 

"It is only by examining animals carefully, by taking accurate 
notes of their qualities and defects, by attending to the circum- 
stances in which individuals are produced, reared, and main- 
tained, that we shall be able to account for what seems to us a 
sport or caprice of nature. It will then be easy to tell, first, how 
the same bull and the same cow have been able to produce three 
calves with different properties; and, second, to trace out the 
rules which we must follow, so as to be almost uniformly suc- 
cessful in obtaining stock of first-rate quality. 

"Experience proves that the qualities which are transmitted 
with most certainty, depend on the most important organs of 
life; accordingly, in the forms of the viscera and the skeleton, 



384 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

variations are very rare, not only in breeds of the same species, 
but even in different species of the same genera. 

" On the other hand, where the transmission of properties is so 
uncertain as to seem the result of caprice in nature, these prop- 
erties are formed by superficial organs, by the skin, the horns, the 
state of the hair, &c. 

"But it is in qualities which are in some sort artificial, quali- 
ties produced under the influence of domestication, and often 
more hurtful than useful to the health of the animals, that varia- 
tions most commonly occur; these change, not only with the 
breed of one species, but with the different individuals of one 
same breed, of one same half breed, and often of one same 
family. 

"Let us bear these elementary principles of natural history 
and physiology in mind, and we shall comprehend how cows and 
bulls, well marked in regard to scutcheons, have produced stock 
which did not resemble them. The influence of the scutcheons 
is very feeble in the act of reproduction.* 

"In this point of view, the scutcheon is almost nothing in 
itself. It depends on the state of the hair, on one of the most 
fleeting of peculiarities, on that which is least hereditary in ani- 
mals. It has no value, as a mark of good getters of stock, unless 
it is supported by marks superior to it from their stability — a 
larger skeleton, double loins, a wide rump, highly-developed 
blood-vessels ; unless it is united with a spacious chest, rounded 
ribs, large lungs, and a strong constitution. 

"The more manifest the correspondence between these marks; 
iu others words, the more the milking quality is connected with 
the general condition of the animal, the greater the chances ot 
transmission; and when, with a view to reproduction, we shall 
make choice only of animals possessing the two-fold character of 

* The allusion to " scutcheons," will be better understood in the subsequent 
remarks on that particular point. — L. F. A. 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 385 

general vigor, and activity of the mammary system, and place 
the progeny under favorable circumstances, the qualities will 
rarely prove defective." 

The foregoing remarks of the French author, Mr. Magne, are 
both sensible and ingenious, as the results of experience in one 
long observant of rules, both in breeding cows, and their economi- 
cal uses. 

For further instruction, although at the hazard of partially 
repeating Mr. Magne, we give the observation of Mr. Haxton, 
on the same subject, from a somewhat different stand point: 

POINTS INDICATIVE OF A GOOD MILK COW. 

"Among practical dairymen, there has long existed a number 
of rules, by which the milking properties of a milk cow are 
judged of; and as these rules are the results of long experience, 
transmitted from one generation to another, they contain, when 
collected together, the sum of all that information which is 
known by the name of practical knowledge. That this knowl- 
edge is correct, in a general way, cannot be questioned, because 
it is the result of actual experiments repeated, and confirmed not 
only for a long period of time, but in a great variety of ways, 
and under circumstances so different, that any errors must long 
ere now have been detected. Notwithstanding the existence of 
these established rules, of judging, by external signs, of the quali- 
ties of an animal suitable for the dairy, there are very great dif- 
ferences in the modes and results of applying them practically. 
Some men have a natural turn, or peculiar adroitness, for minute 
and careful observation, which others are devoid of; and conse 
quently the former are far more successful in rearing, selecting, 
or buying dairy stock, than the latter; and hence, too, we find 
that to these instinctive judges of stock, a glance or a touch will 
reveal a greater amount of information, than the closest inspec- 
tion of others. While it is necessary, however, that there should 
17 



386 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

be long and habitual familiarity with recognized data, in order to 
their being successfully applied in practice, they at the same time 
furnish a set of rules, a knowledge of which is of very great 
advantage, to those who have been prevented from acquiring an 
experimental acquaintance with the points to which such rules 
refer, either by youth or want of opportunity. 

"The points to be attended to, in judging of a good milk cow, 
are, by universal consent, considered to be shape and size of the 
animal, both as a whole, and in detail; texture of the skin and 
hair, development of the lactiferous parts; temperament or habit 
of body and dispositions; and finally, strength or endurance of 
constitution. A maximum development of these points, marks 
out a first-class cow of the breed to which she belongs ; but the 
milking properties differ in endless variety, not merely as these 
points are prominent, or the reverse, but also in proportion to 
the circumstances of climate, soil, and treatment. The escutcheon 
test of M. Guenon, is a new element in the question; and when 
fully established, and better understood, will probably occupy the 
first rank among the external signs, which indicate the natural 
milking properties of cows; but as yet it is rarely recognized in 
Britain ; and there are few farmers, even in the best dairy coun- 
ties, that have even heard of such a test. How far M. Guenon's 
observations have been borne out, by facts supplied by the 
examination of a great many dairy cows in our own country, 
both by the writer and others, will be discussed at the close of 
this section; meantime, we shall direct the reader's attention to 
those points which experience has proved to possess a marked 
influence on the milking properties of cows. 

SHAPE. 

"Whatever may be the breed to which a cow belongs, there 
are certain points of configuration which are considered essential, 
as regards her milking properties. There may be, and are fre- 
quently, great discrepancies between the one and the other; but 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 387 

still, generally speaking, the rule holds good that, all things being 
alike, the cow which approaches nearest to a certain standard, 
will be the best milker. The head must be rather lengthy, 
especially from the eye to the point of the nose; the nose and 
muzzle should be cleanly cut, and free from thick skin or fleshy 
lumps; the cheek-hones thin, and, in like manner, devoid of thick 
skin or flesh (not thick chapped;) eye prominent, of a placid and 
benignant expression, with little of the white exposed to view. 
If horned, the horns should taper gradually to a point, and have 
a clean surface, free from rugosities : the breed will determine the 
shape and set of the horns. The neck should be long, thin, and 
free from loose skin. A good milk cow may be deer or ewe- 
necked, but never bull-necked. The chest and breast should be 
deep, rather than broad, and the brisket should project forwards 
and downwards; and, whether large or otherwise, should be 
round, well shaped, and without loose folds of skin depending 
from it. The girth, behind the shoulders, moderate, and arising 
more from depth than breadth of chest; shoulders rather narrow 
at top ; back-bone on a line with the shoulder-top ; ribs arched, 
and well home to the haunch-bones, which should be wide apart, 
and form a straight line across, neither depressed in the center, 
at the lumbar* vertebrae, nor drooping at the extremities; hind- 
quarters lengthy, and the rump, or tail-top, nearly on a line with 
the back-bone; thighs rather thin, but broad, well spread, and 
giving plenty of room for the udder; belly projecting outwards 
rather than downwards, with plenty of room for food ; the udder 
should be large in a lineal direction, that is, well backward as 
well as upward, between the hind legs and forward on the belly ; 
also broad in front, filling up the space between the lower flanks, 
but rather short vertically; a deep hanging udder, from its swing- 
ing motion, being always the cause of great fatigue to the animal 
when walking; the teats should be moderately long, straight, and 

* Near the Joins.— L. F. A. 



388 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

equal in thickness from the udder to the point,* and also at con- 
siderable and equal distances from each other : the two front teats 
especially, should be well apart, and the direction of all four should 
be downward. When full of milk, the udder should be greatly 
enlarged in size, and, when newly emptied, shrink in a corres- 
ponding degree, and the skin gather into soft creases. (To judge 
accurately of a good milker, the udder should be seen both before 
and after milking. — L. F. A.) The mammary glands, running 
on each side of the belly, large throughout their whole course, 
and swelling into large puffs at or near their junction with the 
udder; thigh veins also large and easily felt by the hand. (See 
plate 26.) 

"Of all these shapes the more important are the long, finely- 
formed head; long, thin neck; rump nearly on a line with the 
back-bone; broad quarters, long udder, from back to front, and 
large veins underneath the belly, and downwards, from the loins 
and thigh, to the udder. When seen in front, the body of a good 
milk cow should present the appearance of a blunted wedge, the 
apex of which is the breast and shoulder. Seen from behind, she 
should present a square, well-spread shape. Seen sideways, she 
should be lengthy, but not lanky. (See plate 26.) 

SKIN, HAIR, AND COLOR. 

"The skin is ever a true index of the milking properties of a 
cow. It should be soft and flexible on every part of the body, 
especially on the back ribs, and also on the rump bones, situated 
on each side of the insertion of the tail. The latter is a point 
much prized by dairymen ; so much that a very successful farmer 
in Cheshire, Mr. Jabez Wright, told the writer that, in buying a 
cow, if the skin on the rump was soft and easily lifted from the 

* We prefer that the teats be slightly tapering to the point, as more delicate in 
appearance, and easier to milk.— L. F. A. 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 389 

bone, he never sought for further signs of her milking powers. 
Of course, while feeling this point, Mr. Wright's practiced eye 
would at once take in, at a glance, those other points which con- 
stitute the general whole of a good milker; but the one referred 
to, he considers indispensable. The skin in these parts will vary, 
however, according to the condition of the cow. If full of flesh, 
the skin may be loose, and yet the animal be a poor milker ; but 
if in lean condition, with loose skin on the rump bones, she will 
milk well, and fatten quickly when dry. The skin on the ribs is 
the next in importance; and if it corresponds in softness and 
looseness, with that on the rump bones, another point of excel- 
lence is established. These two points, conjoined, are correct 
exponents of the internal constitution, and are always accom- 
panied with more than an average tendency to milk freely, and 
fatten rapidly. The former indicates a more than ordinary power 
of producing milk; the latter a great aptitude to fatten; and 
their conjoined presence indicates the union of both tendencies. 
The skin on the udder, generally partakes of the quality of that 
on the rump and ribs, and will therefore be soft and flexible, in 
proportion to their softness and flexibility. Still there is a dif 
ference to be observed, viz.: that the skin of the udder must not 
be thick, whereas thickness on the rump and ribs is quite con 
sistent with the best properties, provided it be loose, soft, and 
flexible. In fact, a thickish, soft hide, generally indicates hardi- 
ness of constitution, from its greater capability to resist or modify 
external influences, whether of climate, or cuticular irritation from 
the bites of insects. 

"The hair is the next point to be studied. It should be 
moderately long, closely set, and, above all, soft and woolly. As 
the thick, soft skin is an indication of hardiness, much more so is 
this the case when covered with long, thick, woolly hair. A bare, 
hard-haired cow is ever to be avoided by the dairyman, as well 



390 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

as the grazier. If even a moderate milker, yet she will be a 
great eater, and never pay for her food. 

"Color is immaterial, and depends on the breed. 

TEMPERAMENT AND CONSTITUTION. 

"Animals, like human beings, are differently developed in 
their nervous, sanguineous, muscular, and lymphatic constitu- 
tions, and their tempers and dispositions vary accordingly. Each 
breed of cattle is characterized by peculiarities of temper, activ- 
ity, and endurance. The muscular temperament is disappearing 
before the march of improvement, as animals of this description 
are neither good for the grazier nor the dairy, being fleshy, thick- 
skinned, and poor milkers. Constitution is the result of natural 
temperament and physical configuration, but each temperament 
has its own particular diseases to which it is liable. The nervous 
temperament predisposes to fevers, the sanguine to inflamma- 
tions, and the lymphatic to lung diseases; but as these tempera- 
ments are never found distinct, but always combined together in 
some proportion or other, the peculiar diseases to which these 
unions give rise, are as endless as the constitutions themselves. 

"Atmospheric causes, and artificial treatment, also impress 
certain physiological characteristics upon cattle.- Exposure to 
cold, when young, has a tendency to develop those parts of the 
system, whose office it is to protect the vital functions from being 
injured by this cause. When an animal is early exposed to cold, 
the hide thickens, and becomes covered with long, thick hair. 
It becomes inured to exposure, and is little affected by atmos- 
pheric changes. A long continuance of such treatment, as in 
the case of the Scotch Highland cattle, from one generation to 
another, soon impresses a peculiar habit of growth upon them; 
and this, in time, settles into a fixed and permanent temperament, 
or physiological character. Even, however, among individuals 
of the same breed, exposed to the same external influences, there 



SELECTION Or MILK COWS. 391 

arc great discrepancies as regards individual constitution. Some 
are more hardy than others, simply because certain causes, either 
accidentally or designedly induced, have given them better diges- 
tive powers, stronger lungs, and more vital energy. This supe- 
riority of constitution, whatever may be its cause, is generally 
indicated by a large, round body, a soft, flexible skin, by no 
means thin, which is covered with a thick coat of soft, silky, or 
woolly hair. A large paunch is usually the sign of an animal 
which can, and will, consume a great quantity of fodder in the 
shape of hay and straw; and this we know, by experience, to 
be one of the best indications of a good, healthy, hardy, thriving 
animal, whether cow, horse, or sheep. Strength of constitution 
can be transmitted, as well as other peculiarities; so that a care- 
ful breeder, by always breeding from animals that he knows to 
be of good constitution, will ultimately succeed in strengthening 
and improving his stock." 

Thus much from Mr. Haxton, — and it could not be better 
said, — showing him to be a close observer, and understanding 
well his subject. 

guenon's theory. 

We now come to the theory of M. Guenon, the ingenious 
French writer, before named. Before discussing him, we wish 
to remark, that he has reduced his theory, to what he considered, 
a science, and in its treatment has so ramified it into degrees, 
and shades, as to somewhat confuse the ordinary observer, who 
does not care to go into minute researches, and seeks only to 
become familiar with the truth, if there be any, of his theory. 

His theory, or science, by whichever name called, is simply 
this : It is well known that the hair, just above the udder of the 
cow, grows transversely, or upward. This growth of the hair 
he calls the escutcheon, and asserts that the more that upward 
growth of the hair extends outward from the udder and inner 
parts of the thighs, and upward towards the urinary passage 
from the bladder, the better milker the cow is; and as the hair 



392 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



fails to extend outward, and upward, in these directions, so much 
the less is she a good milker. To illustrate his theory, he has 
given twenty-seven different plates, or diagrams, running from 
the fullest development in its various ways of growth, down to 
as near nothing, in those outward and upward directions as the 
cow ever shows it — every one having more or less of that pecu- 
liar growth of hair on those parts. 




Plate 29. The greatest development of a Milk Escutcheon. 
"We have paid some attention to the theory, and the marks 
as the author has delineated them, but without evidence of their 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 3')3 

truth, to the extent which he claims. In some cases they have 
proved true; in others not. We believe there is, really, some- 
thing in it, but our examinations have been more or less contra- 
dictory. 

We give on the opposite page, an illustration from one of his 
plates, showing a perfect escutcheon, developing, in the highest 
degree the milk marks, by the escutcheon, of a largely producing 
udder and its connections. It is a rear portrait of the cow 
(plate 26) belonging to Mr. Chenery, as taken in February, 
1867, although we are not aware that she possesses the escutch- 
eon so thoroughly developed as is here illustrated. 

We have not considered it necessary to copy more of M. Gue- 
non's diagrams, so intricately explained by him, as they would 
lead the common inquirer to no satisfactory results. To those 
who wish to go into a close investigation of the matter, we must 
refer them to the treatise itself. 

As both Mr. Magne, and Mr. Haxton, have, with much par- 
ticularity, gone into the practical workings of Guenon's theory, 
and at too great lengths to insert in these pages, we give a careful 
synopsis of the results of their investigations, both in France and 
England. Of these, we first examine Mr. Magne : 

RELATIONS BETWEEN THE SCUTCHEONS AND THE FUNCTIONS 
OF THE MILKY GLANDS. 

"The relations existing between the direction of the hair of 
the perinaeum, and the activity of the milky glands, cannot be 
disputed. Large lower tufts are marks of good cows, whereas 
tufts near the vulva are observed on cows which dry up shortly 
after they are again in calf. 

"But what is the cause of these relations? What connection 
can there be between the hair of the perinaeum, and the functions 
of the milky glands? 

"Having tried to answer this question in the 'Moniteur Agri- 
cole,' for 1848, we will only say in this treatise, which is wholly 
17* 



394 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

of a practical nature, that the direction of the hair is subordinate 
to that of the arteries ; that when a large plate of hair is directed 
from below, upwards, on the posterior face of the udder, and on 
the twist, it proves that the arteries which supply the milky sys- 
tem are large, since they pass backwards beyond it, convey much 
blood, and consequently give activity to its functions. Upper 
tufts, placed on the sides of the vulva, prove that the arteries of 
the generative organs are strongly developed, reach even to the 
skin, and give great activity to those organs. The consequence 
is, that after a cow is again in calf, they draw off the blood which 
was flowing to the milky glands, lessen, and even stop the secre- 
tion of milk. 

"In the hull, the arteries, corresponding to the mammary arteries 
of the cow, heing intended only for coverings of the testicles, are 
very slightly developed ; and there, accordingly, the scutcheons are 
of small extent. 

VALUE OF THE MARKS FURNISHED BY THE SCUTCHEONS. 

" After this explanation, which accounts very well for all that 
has been observed, it is easy to comprehend the value of the 
scutcheons. The more the lower ones are developed, the greater 
the quantity of milk; but shape is of no consequence. 

"Still, whatever be the cause of the relations existing between 
the secretion of milk and the scutcheons, these marks cannot, 
furnish data so certain as some have affirmed them to be. 

"In fact, the quantity of milk, and its quality, do not depend 
solely on the form and size of the scutcheon; they depend on 
the food, the particular management, the climate, the season, 
the temperament, the size and energy of the principal internal 
organs, the capacity of the chest, the influence of the generative 
system, &c. All these circumstances cause the quantity of milk 
to vary, without making any change on the extent of the 
scutcheon; consequently, it is impossible that the same relation 
can always exist, between the scutcheons and the quantities of 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 395 

milk. We often see cows equally well shaped, having exactly 
the same scutcheon, and placed under the same hygienic con- 
ditions, yet not giving either equal quantities, or equal qualities, 
of milk. It could not be otherwise. Assuming that a given 
tuft has the same value at birth, it cannot be the same in adult 
age; since, during life, an infinite number of circumstances occur 
to diversify the activity of the milky glands, without changing 
the figure or size of the tuft. 

"Is it not sufficient to refer to the inequality of milk given by 
the same cows, according as they have had one, two, or three 
calves, in order to make it clear that M. G-uenon has assigned 
too much value to the mark which he has discovered ? 

"It often happens that two horses, having exactly the same 
structure, and the same external forms, have not the same 
energy, the same fitness for work. The difference is owing, 
evidently, to the temperament, and the activity of the principal 
external organs; in other words, to conditions which it is often 
impossible to estimate by any direct method. 

"Now, seeing that temperament has an influence on muscles 
and bones, the action of which, however, is partly mechanical, 
resembling that of a lever, and exerts this influence so power- 
fully as to render their movements unequal, in respect both of 
power and promptness, can we suppose that it has no influence 
on the entirely vital, or, at least, the entirely molecular working 
of the mammary gland? 

"It might, therefore, have been argued d priori th&t the mathe- 
matical precision, assigned to a classification of cows, is contrary 
to the most general laws of physiology ; to propose a mark indi- 
cating that a cow will give so much milk daily, and for so many 
days, is to deceive ourselves, or to attempt deceiving others ; the 
study of the phenomena of life, proves that the action of the 
organs depends, not merely on their size and their form, but on 
the general condition of each individual, 



396 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" We are able not only to oppose argument to the assertions 
of M. Guenon; we can also appeal to the difficulties hitherto 
experienced in applying his classification to practice. M. Gue- 
non has not yet formed a single pupil worthy of him. And among 
the thousands of persons who occupy themselves with his method, 
is there a single one who has acquired sufficient skill to justify 
the claims which the author makes for it? 

"It may be affirmed that, to form pupils as skillful as himself 
in judging of cows, M. Guenon would not only have to teach 
them that a certain figure for the tuft corresponds to a certain 
number of pints of milk, but he would have, above all, to com- 
municate to them his perspicacity, his talent for observation, and 
his great experience; he would, in fine, have to fit them for 
estimating, in addition to the direction of the hair of the twist, 
the whole of the marks usually employed in making choice of 
milk cows. 

"All the attempts made on the G-uenon method, not excepting 
those of the author himself, prove the soundness of our opinion. 
The most skillful, when called to decide on the quantities of 
cows, whose yield of milk was well known, erred seven times 
on eight cows, and fifteen times on twenty-one. And, least 
these errors may be attributed to chance, on account of the 
small number of cows submitted for trial, we should mention 
that other estimates proved erroneous, 152 times on 174 cows,* 
and 321 times on 352, and that the error amounted to 921 pints 
of milk on a total of 2,683 pints ;f in other words, there was 
error in regard to almost all the cows; and error amounting on 
an average, on each, to more than a third of the yield. On 
some individuals the estimates were wrong to the extent of from 
11/4 to 21, and even from 26 to 28 pints a day! 

" * Report to the Central Society of Agriculture, by M. Yrart, in name of a Com- 
mittee. 

" t Report to the Minister of Agriculture, by M. Lefebvre Sainte Marie, in name 
of a Committee. 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 397 

"Such is the truth, as to the perfect nicety, claimed for the 
scutcheon system. This system cannot do more than furnish an 
approximate estimate of the quantity of milk, and that in regard 
not to all, but only to the majority of cows. 

"What, then, has led so many persons to put confidence in 
M. Guenon's discovery? The great talents and knowledge of 
the author. The system has obtained the credit of results due 
to the experience of him who applied it. 

"If, instead of employing M. Guenon personally, to give judg- 
ment on cows, he had been employed to train pupils, and teach 
his system as Daguerre has taught how to take likenesses, his 
discovery would long ago have been estimated at its true worth. 
And the services rendered by it would not have been less great. 
For although the mark furnished by the scutcheons, is far from 
having the perfect certainty which some persons, unacquainted 
with physiological science, have wished to ascribe to it, it must 
not be thought that the mark is of no use. 

"By his discovery, M. Guenon has rendered great service to 
agriculture; the scutcheon has the advantage of furnishing a 
mark which can be easily discerned, and estimated even by per- 
sons of no great experience in the selection of cows — a mark 
perceptible on very young animals, and on bulls as well as 
heifers — a mark, in fine, which, when disencumbered of the com- 
plicated system in which it has been wrapped up, will, ere long, 
be in common use, and facilitate the increase of good cows, by 
not allowing any but those of good promise to be reared. 

"It has been proposed, as a means of ascertaining the quali- 
ties of the milk, to have regard to the fineness of the hair which 
forms the scutcheons, the color of the skin, and the dust which 
falls from them when they are rubbed; but experience has not 
yet demonstrated that these marks have the value which has 
been ascribed to them. M. Guenon, in deciding on the qualities 
of the milk of three hundred and eleven cows, was wrong one 
hundred and nineteen times." 



398 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Thus, we see, that Mr. Magne dissents from much of the fan- 
ciful science of Guenon. 

To the opposite, somewhat, let us hear Mr. Haxton. "He 
had examined many hundreds of dairy cows in Britain, and the 
conclusion arrived at, in regard to M. Guenon's test of judging 
of the milking propertes of a cow by the development of the 
escutcheon, is, that in a large majority of cases it is borne out 
by facts. In a London dairy, where about four hundred cows 
are kept, and nine-tenths of them above average milkers, the 
upward growth of the hair on the posterior part of the udder, 
thighs, and twist, was too remarkable to be accounted fully 
accidental causes." 

In another stock of forty cows — a very fine one — the results 
were in favor of the Guenon theory, although some very con- 
tradictory cases were found, the signs proving exactly the other 
way, even among the same classes, or breeds of cows. 

In another herd, composed of different breeds, there was little 
or no uniformity in the escutcheon marks, even among the best 
milkers of either breed. Some escutcheons were largely devel- 
oped, others not — the latter milking equally well. 

Another herd, of "very fine Ayrshires," had all sorts of devel- 
opment in their escutcheons, yet were all good milkers. 

On the whole, Mr. Haxton, in his investigations, decides in 
favor of M. Guenon's system, believing that in a majority of 
cases the best milkers will show the highest developed escutch- 
eons, which, possibly, may prove to be the fact. Still, were we 
to select a good dairy cow, the escutcheon would be only one, 
and about the last mark we should rely on, looking more to the 
other, and decidedly certain indications enumerated in the previ- 
ous parts of this chapter. To fortify this remark, we had once 
a family cow of our own breeding, half Short-horn and half 
Devon in blood, which we kept in milk twelve years. She had 
bred many calves, never missing a single year, and frequently 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 



399 



giving milk up to the time of her next calving, and an extraor- 
dinary good milker, both in quantity, and quality. She had none 
of G-uenon's scutcheon milk marks upon her. The hair on her 
udder and twist all grows downward. 

EXPLANATORY ILLUSTRATIONS. 

We now present our readers with the plate of a good milk 
cow, drawn for special illustration by our artist. She is not a 
pure bred cow of any breed, although a strong dash of improved 
foreign blood will be readily detected in her form. As described 
by Mr. Haxton, we deem her a model for the dairy 




Plate 30. A model Horned Milk Cow. 

This cow yields a great flow of milk, and has only oeen dry, 
or out of milk, three weeks in two years. 

There is still another kind of cow to which some people are 
partial. She is of a polled, or hornless variety, of which many 
are kept on Long Island, near the city of New York, in New 



400 



AMERICAN CATTLE 



Jersey, aoout Philadelphia, and in some other sections of the 
oountry. They appear to be of no distinct breed, other than 
in the lack of horns, but are probably descendants of the polled 
cows of the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk, in England, famous 
there for their good milking qualities, and which, no doubt, 
were brought to this country at an early day. We have seen 
many of them in and about the localities we have named, from 
our boyhood down to the present time, and so far as we could 
learn, they have proved, as a class, excellent milkers. We have 
seen oxen of this variety — honest, good workers — but their lack 
of horn detracted from their popularity with those who use ox 
labor. These cows are of all colors, from black, smoky brown, 
brindle, red, in various shades, to nearly white. On Long Island, 
we have seen some of a handsome short-horn roan, with evident 



marks, otherwise, of having a strong dash of that blood 




Plate 31. A model Polled Milk Cow. 

We have little doubt that by selecting good milkers from these 
hornless cows, and using a compact, moderate sized short-horn 



SELECTION OF MILK COWS. 401 

of a good milking family, or a Dutch, Ayrshire, or Alderney bull 
upon them, a race of valuable hornless cows may be bred by 
those who prefer them to a horned breed. To give an idea of 
them, we have had a faithful portrait, of a good one, (on the 
opposite page,) taken by our artist, which embodies the main 
excellencies of her kind. 

This cow was taken, when in her highest flow of milk. The 
plate shows her lean in flesh, and ragged in bone, but of good 
frame, and when dried off, and well fed, capable of taking on a 
round carcase of excellent flesh. She has the quiet, docile 
expression, and the strong milk marks of a choice family cow, 
and is a capital specimen, in her meek, shaggy appearance, of 
what Englishmen call "a good poor man's cow;" but a. rich man, 
might well congratulate himself in the possession of one, so 
abundant at the pail, and bounteous at the cheese vat or butter 
churn. It is evident that, in this specimen, her food all goes to 
milk. Cross such a cow with the right bull, and a heifer from 
her would be "a gem of a cow" for either family, or dairv use. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE COMMON MODE OF OBTAINING COWS, MILKING, &C. 

We cannot dismiss the subject of "selecting a good dairy 
cow," without alluding to the common method to which our 
dairymen are now subjected, in obtaining their cows, instead of 
breeding them, as they can much better, and more economi- 
cally do. 

A cheese, butter, or milk dairyman, is in want of good cows. 
He starts out, either himself, or by an agent to pick them up 
through the country where cows are for sale, or goes to the 
"drove yards," where they are congregated, and tries his hand 
at a purchase. He knows the kind of cows he wants, and their 
value, and can tell a good one when he sees her. He finds a 
herd of them, and looks about until he gets his eye on such as 
may possibly suit his purpose. But he knows nothing about 
their breeding, their education, or mode of treatment, what good, 
or what bad qualities, tricks, faults, or vices, as well as virtues 
they possess. "His eyes are his chap." After a deal of chaf- 
fering, higgling, and perhaps jockying on the part of the seller, 
he bargains in the best way he can, for what he thinks may 
answer his necessities. 

Getting them home, and putting them to use, they then come 
to trial. One proves a gentle, fine, generous creature, producing 
an abundant flow of good milk, and found serviceable — just 
what he wants. The next milks hard. The next is troubled 
with garget, or gives bloody milk out of a teat or two, and so 
much of the yield is actually lost. A third kicks, taking an 



COMMON MODE OF OBTAINING COWS. 403 

extra hand to hold her while milking, or having to strap her 
legs during the process. A fourth has lost the use of a teat or 
two, and gives but little out of the others. Another is breachy, 
jumps, or throws down fences, and lets the herd into mischief. 
Perhaps half a dozen others have faults, or vices, before he gets 
through with them, and so on. Possibly a third, or one-half of 
the cows answer his purpose — after a fashion — and there may 
not be more than tw T o or three first-rate ones out of the whole. 
They have been picked up by drovers, from those who culled 
out their own dairies, having no really prime cows to dispose of, 
and will at no price sell their best ones. 

If a cow drover comes along to sell his commodities, the result 
is the same, let him recommend them to the dairyman as he may, 
for ten to one he knows nothing of the real qualities of the cows 
which he has on sale. The result with our dairymen is, that at 
the end, or half way to the end of his dairy season, he is obliged 
to turn off a portion of his herd. Some go to the butcher, if he 
can get flesh enough on their bones to partially cover them. 
Others are dried off, and turned out to pasture for the next 
winter's beef. Some are sold to another itinerant drover who 
comes along, and buys them at a cheap rate, to victimize another 
innocent purchaser, and so on, to the end of the chapter. Out of 
twenty, the dairyman may perhaps find half a dozen which 
answer his purpose, and prove really good cows, when they 
once get wonted to the place, and feel at home — for your cow is 
a wonderfully home-feeling body, and it frequently takes some 
weeks, or months, for her to become reconciled to a new locality, 
and yield her natural flow of milk. 

We have given some thought, as well as observation to this 
matter, and think there is a better method for the dairyman to 
supply himself with cows, and in a cheaper way, in the long run, 
with much less labor and vexation of spirit. Let him breed 
and raise his own cows, by following the directions laid down in 



404 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

our previous chapters. He can raise a heifer to two and a half, 
or three years old, at an expense of thirty to fifty dollars, accord- 
ing to his locality, and she then proves altogether a good, satis- 
factory cow, for the next ten or twelve years; or, if she does 
prove a failure for the dairy, she can be readily fatted, and pay 
the cost of her rearing in a good carcass of beef at the next 
autumn. But if the directions be strictly followed, the chances 
are scarcely one in ten that she does not prove a good one — 
much better than the average of those he can buy, as cows 
usually run. 

We know that the impression with most of our dairymen has 
been, that they can buy cows cheaper than to raise them, and 
thus turn all the cattle food of their farms over to their milk 
cows. Such, however, has proved not to be the fact. In process 
of time, when the division of labor among our stock breeders 
and raisers shall become so systematized that men on the cheap 
western lands shall go into cow breeding as a business, and raise 
choice dairy cows for market, it may be that dairymen may 
depend upon purchasing, with some assurance that they can do 
so satisfactorily. But, as things now are, they cannot, and the 
sooner they adopt the plan of breeding and rearing their owl 
cows, the sooner will they be rid of the pestilent mode to which 
they are now subjected, of buying what they do not want. We 
are satisfied tnat, with less labor and expense, they can be sup- 
plied, on their own farms, with the very best material with which 
to prosecute their business to advantage, and at infinitely less wear 
and tear of patience than they are now annually subjected to. 

MILKING. 

All persons reared to farm labor should know how to milk a 
cow. So they do, generally, as far as drawing the milk from 
the udder is concerned. But that is only a part of the process. 
We have often seen this important labor so dirtily, bunglingly, 
carelessly, and cruelly done, that we have wished that a milking 



MILKING. 405 

school could be established to show people how to treat their 
cows, and get the most milk, and to the best advantage, out of 
them. As every dairyman ought to know how a cow should be 
milked, either by ones, twos, or fifties, we have some sugges- 
tions to make on the proper and best modes of doing it, both 
in the treatment of the cows, and the conduct of their milkers. 

It has been much too common a way, where several cows are 
kept, in the grazing season, to drive them into yards, more or 
less filthy from their droppings, half the time muddy under foot, 
the cows hunching each other about, frequently without sheds 
for shelter in bad weather, and doing up the work in a helter- 
skelter way, as time, chance, or opportunity may offer. In the 
winter season they are confined in filthy stables, frequently 
unbedded, poorly ventilated, and terribly noisome with the odors 
and ammonia from urine, and the foetid breath of the cattle 
within them. 

Happily, we believe a better system is prevailing, and milk- 
ing, among our better farmers and housekeepers, is usually done 
in a cleanly way ; but not always to the advantage that it might 
be, in having all the conveniences for doing it in the best man- 
ner. We object to milking in open yards, where the cows are 
liable to interruption by each other, or by storms, and often be- 
coming restive by accidents not altogether under the control 
of their milkers. After long practice in the management of 
cows for dairy purposes, and their keeping arranged into a 
regular system, we are satisfied of the decided advantage of 
milking them, in all seasons, under shelter, and in the stalls 
which, during the winter months, they regularly occupy. 

Thus, we say, in a well regulated dairy, cows, in every season, 
should be driven into their stables, or sheds, and secured in stalls 
by ties, chains, or stanchels, for milking. They are thus under 
control, and every animal is secure from injury or annoyance by 
her neighbors. Each milker should be furnished with a stool 



406 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

for sitting on. A bucket of water and a cloth should be at hand, 
to either wash, wipe, or otherwise clean the udder and teats 
before commencing the work, if necessary. The cows may 
be fed just before, or after milking, as the season of the year, 
or the habit of the dairyman may be; but the habit, which- 
ever way, should be regular, always. No noise, or loud talking 
should be indulged among the milkers. No scolding, fretting, 
thumping with stools, or otherwise; and if, in refractory cases, 
some discipline of a restive cow be needed, none other than a 
light switch should be used for punishment. Mild treatment, 
and soothing terms in most cases, are more effectual than harsh- 
ness in making cows gentle. They should learn to regard their 
milkers and keepers as friends, to love their presence, and confide 
in their kindness. 

The milk should be drawn rapidly, and with both hands, in as 
cleanly a manner as possible. Sometimes, if the milker be musi- 
cally inclined, the cow is soothed and entertained by the droning 
of a low- voiced song. We have seen an unquiet, and restive 
one, stand quite still while the milker hummed his tune, when, 
without it, she would be timid and uneasy; — not that it is 
necessary in usual cases, but we have known such. One person 
will milk eight to twelve, and sometimes more cows at a time, 
and the times of milking should not occupy more than an hour 
each. There is a great slight in this work, and some will milk 
a dozen cows better, and in less time than another will six. 
The cows should be taken in regular turn, with the same 
milkers to the same cows, as nearly as possible, as they both 
become better used to each other. The times should be as 
equally divided in the twenty-four hours of the day as possible, 
and be the division of time as it may, it should be regular, that 
the udders be not subject to undue distension. System, order, 
and regularity in milking, has much to do with equable flows of 
milk, and cows habituated to certain times, yield their messes 
more regularly in quantity, than when irregularly milked. 



MILKING. 407 

In breaking young heifers to the pail, harsh treatment is sel- 
dom necessary. If they have been carefully handled in calf hood, 
and as yearlings, they usually come quietly to the hand of the 
milker. Scarcely one in a dozen is ever troublesome to break 
in, or to have difficulty with afterwards, and seldom do they need 
a harsh word spoken to them. We know this method to be a 
good one, by practice in our own dairy, and commend it with 
confidence. By thus treating cows, they become orderly and 
systematic in their habits. Each one goes into her own stall 
quietly as she enters the stable, without huddling, hooking, or 
quarreling, and they become orderly as a file of soldiers when 
going on duty. Perhaps we have been more fortunate in this 
line than many others who could not have the immediate supei- 
vision of their cows, as our own herdsman has been in his present 

employment with us thirty-two years. His practice has uniformly 

been as we have written 



CHAPTER XXX. 

VALUE INVESTED IN COWS; LOW AVERAGE OF PRODUCTION; 
DAIRY SOILS; DAIRY FACTORIES; DAIRY WOMEN; LOVE OF 
FINE CATTLE. 

We have now given an exhaustive and thorough discussion to 
the subject of milk cows — too extended and tedious, perhaps, for 
the ordinary reader — but none too minute for the dairyman who 
embarks his capital for the most profitable production in their 
management, or even for the individual householder who keeps 
his one or more cows for family use. 

We have seen that many millions of dollars are invested in 
cows throughout the United States, and that these investments 
have been made with a view to pecuniary profit, in the way of 
young stock, and milk, and butter, and cheese, aside from the 
comfort and luxury they yield the household. 

It is a fact too palpable for dispute, that the average of cows 
kept throughout the country, for milk production, is a low one. 
Various exceptions show what amount of milk a really good 
cow can produce, under proper selection, with abundant food of 
the right kind, and good care. With such examples as the latter 
for a standard, at which, in due time, we may arrive, if the proper 
means be taken to accomplish it, we can add twenty to fifty, or 
even a hundred per cent, to the production and profit of our 
cows, with little additional cost. We have known — we now 
know — men who derive an income from a single cow, in the 
sale of her milk, beyond the annual cost of her keeping, besides 
supplying their own families with milk and cream, and sometimes 



LOW AVERAGE OF PRODUCTION. 409 

butter. The average of our milk dairies, as they are usually 
kept, is not over five hundred gallons a year; of the butter 
dairies, one hundred and fifty pounds; of the cheese dairies, 
three hundred and fifty pounds per cow. These averages can be 
increased full one half, in the simple items of selection of cows, 
more suitable and abundant food, and increased care in their 
keeping. The requirements to constitute a really good dairy, 
may be somewhat more expensive, but much less so in propor- 
tion to the additional yields to be obtained from it, than in the 
loose and negligent way in which they are now managed. All 
these improvements we have suggested; and why not at once 
adopt and act upon them? A wise forecast will do so. 

The dairy is already a large and increasing interest in our 
country. Wide regions in the Northern States are admirably 
adapted to it, and poorly adapted to any other branch of agri- 
cultural production. They can grow neither grain, wool, horses, 
or beef cattle profitably. Under a mixed system of crops and 
farm stock, in past days, the average value of such farms was 
scarcely twenty dollars per acre. Under the dairy system, well 
brought into use, they are now worth fifty to a hundred dollars, 
even with the moderate yields we have mentioned. The majority 
of these farms occupy elevated, moist localities, where the neat 
stock require six months of stable-feeding, with a winter climate 
severe and inhospitable. But they are compensated with an 
abundance of the sweetest grasses, and the purest water — grand 
aliments of the choicest dairy production. They teem with 
broad, rich landscapes, pure air, a most health-sustaining atmo- 
sphere, giving stamina to a vigorous, industrious people. 

These superior dairy regions, too, are limited in extent. The 
States of New York and Pennsylvania, possess more exclusive 
dairy lands than any others yet known, although other adjoining 
States furnish them to a limited extent. There may be other 
lands at the North-west yet untried, as in Northen Michigan, 
18 



410 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Wisconsin and Minnesota, which may prove equally good. We 
hope so. And these lands, being restricted in area, as popula- 
tion and the foreign demand for dairy products increase, will be 
constantly augmenting in value. Great improvements have been 
recently made in manufacturing cheese and butter, even to "con- 
centrated" milk for city use, and exportation. The establish- 
ment of cheese and butter factories has improved the quality of 
those articles, and cheapened their production. The tests of 
science, and accuracy of method, have been adopted in them, 
raising their flavor and quality to the highest standard, both at 
home and abroad. 

Knowing, thus, what has been accomplished in these particu- 
lars, we have every incentive to a still further improvement in 
the material — cows — to furnish these most satisfactory results. 
Dairy factories, aside from improving the quality of their pro- 
ducts, and increasing their prices over the old household way of 
making them, have accomplished a most beneficent and merciful 
mission, in relieving the wives and daughters of our dairymen of 
a routine of slavish and most wearing labor. The life of a house- 
hold dairywoman is toilsome in the extreme. Perpetual watch- 
fulness, anxiety, and work throughout the dairy season, frequently 
beyond her physical endurance, has been her destiny — over the 
cheese tub, and shelf, the churn, and butter bowl — to say 
nothing of her labors in the milking yard, over the wash kettle, 
and scrubbing brush. No relaxation whatever is permitted. 
Necessity knows no law, nor mercy for those patient, over-worked 
solaces of the household. Even hired female labor is impatient 
of the task, and shirks it, except at the highest wages, and for a 
limited period. 

We trust that dairy factories may soon become the rule, and 
the household thus relieved of an intolerable drudgery. In fac- 
tories, the strength and ingenuity of man is employed almost 
solely, and the female assistance required is so mitigated in its 



DAIRY FACTORIES. 411 

toil, as to be easily and cheerfully accomplished. In the spirit 
of drowsy Sancho, who invoked blessings on the man who 
invented sleep, we utter unbounded thanks to the benign brain 
of him who contrived the cheese and butter factory 1 

Although the chief cheese dairy districts of our country may 
be mainly limited to the soils and localities we have described, as 
being the most available for that article, butter is universally 
made wherever cows are kept at all; and it is none the less 
necessary that proper breeds be obtained, and selections for 
butter, as well as for sale milk dairies, be made. Equally so, 
should the cow be selected for the breeding and rearing of beef 
animals, and of oxen for labor. Every farmer, every owner of 
a cow in the land, should take a pride and a pleasure in having 
her the best, most useful of her kind. There is no more comely 
creature living than a fine, well developed cow or heifer, a steer 
or an ox, and the whole majesty of the bovine race stands forth 
in a well bred, stately bull, of an established approved breed. 
No higher ornament to the farm, the park, the paddock, or the 
stall, can be found than in them. Their presence is ever a 
pleasure to those who appreciate their value, whether in the 
humbler walks of rural life, or enjoying the highest social or 
public distinctions. 



Having discussed our cattle chiefly from a utilitarian view, it 
may not be out of place to touch them in a different, and some- 
what aesthetic character, as connected with country life, recrea- 
tion, and those periods of quiet leisure, to which men engaged 
in pursuits other than agricultural, devote a portion of their time. 

The breeding and rearing of cattle is an interesting, a pleasant 
occupation, to all having taste in that line, aside from the profit 
or convenience connected with it. It is a taste to be cultivated 
by all whose inclination leads them to its indulgence. It is a 
pure, a simple pursuit, fraught with continuous interest, hope, 



412 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

and expectation. All over Great Britain, and in portions of the 
European Continent, in the extensive ornamental parks of the 
nobility, gentry, and great landholders, the choicer breeds of 
neat cattle, and sheep, within the last half century, have taken 
the place of comparatively worthless deer, (though the latter 
may be beautiful objects in landscape effect,) and now add largely 
to the ornamental, as well as economical keeping of their grounds. 
In many instances, these nobility and gentry have been among 
the most spirited and liberal promoters of improvement in the 
various breeds of cattle, sheep, and swine, — everything of the 
animal kind, in fact, which commends itself to their tastes, and 
adds to the value of their agriculture. This taste has become 
disseminated among the farmers and tenantry of the land, until 
it has become a necessity in agricultural progress. The system 
of cattle culture has thus changed from the oldtime practice, and 
is still moving in a rapidly increasing course of improvement. 

It should be so in America. Here, we have broader and cheaper 
lands, and of equal, or superior natural fertility. In many of our 
States — the Western particularly — are spread numberless farms 
in thousands of acres each, held and occupied by energetic, prac- 
tical men, whose almost sole occupation is breeding, rearing, ana 
feeding of cattle. They seem, in that pursuit, u to the manor 
born." It is the business, the pleasure of their lives. In com- 
pany with their proprietors, we have rode and ranged over 
numerous of these grand estates — on broad upland, and wide 
river bottom; on the park-like oak openings; stretches of almost 
boundless prairie; or what were once heavily wooded lands, 
long since cleared by the axe and burning log-heap ; and over 
all these luxuriant farms, speckled with herds, revelling in the 
fullness and fatness of the land, the eye and the heart that would 
not expand with the outpouring wealth lying around them, must 
indeed be both shortsighted and impoverished. 



LOVE OF FINE CATTLE. 413 

There is a grand, picturesque beauty of gentle hill, and dale, 
and smoothly rolling landscape, in those broad territories; but 
enlivened with herds, and flocks, and comfortable dwellings, it 
exhibits the very fullness of pastoral grandeur and luxuriance. 
So, too, it is fast becoming in farther "Western States, younger in 
settlement, with an equally active and energetic population. 
Their farmers are fast assuming the character of thrift which the 
generous soil encourages, and all are either now, or soon to become 
the homes of herds almost countless in the aggregate. 

It is different in the Middle and Eastern States, which have 
been longer settled, and the land divided into smaller farms of 
diversified cultivation, more thickly inhabited, with cities and 
villages, and their outlying home lots and paddocks — almost 
within sight or sound of each other's church bells. If the west- 
ern farmer prefers the bulky Short-horn, or Hereford, to graze 
over his broad, rich acres, none the less should the calculating, 
industrious tillers of lesser acres, be attached to their Devons, 
Ayrshires, Jerseys, Guernseys, or the statelier Holsteins, whict 
are winning their way among them, 

We are happy to say there is a growing taste among the more 
intelligent of these farmers, and particularly among men of for- 
tune and leisure, for improved breeds of stock. We count many 
acquaintances among commercial and business men of all degrees, 
who thoroughly understand and appreciate their value, and the 
profit of their cultivation. Indeed, no successful business man, 
of spirit or taste, who now seeks a country home, whether for a 
permanent abode, or a summer stay, thinks his place complete, 
without some degrees of indulgence in this luxurious necessity. 

It is a pleasure to remark, that many of our improved breeds 
and varieties of farm stock have been introduced from abroad 
by men distinguished in various positions, professions, and occu- 
pations, who have thus employed portions of their wealth, as 
well as by those whose pursuits have been strictly agricultural. 



414 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Their far-reaching sagacity had discovered the value of the better 
breeds of domestic animals, and with ready purses they ventured 
on what they believed would be appreciated by the less wealthy 
farmer at home, when once assured of their superior qualities. 
It is most gratifying to such endeavors, to find their liberality so 
well considered by those who, in the result, are to be chiefly 
benefited. Such men are public benefactors. 

Thus, the improvement of the neat stock of our country, is 
attracting the attention of the people at large, and it only 
needs the proper knowledge of their good qualities and treat- 
ment, to gain the full advantages of their possession. 

It is but sufficient that we impress upon every country dweller, 
the benefits, as well as necessity to their best interests, of cul- 
tivating and improving their herds for all purposes. No country, 
from the high latitudes of the St. Lawrence, to the tropical shores 
of the G-ulf of Mexico; from the Atlantic, to the Pacific coasts, 
embraces such a wealth of soil, and climate, in which to produce 
the finest neat cattle in their appropriate varieties; and to neg- 
lect so wide an opportunity, is to abuse one of God's signal Provi- 
dences for our support and welfare. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

INTRODUCTORY TO MISCELLANEOUS MATTER. PREGNANCY, AND 
WHAT FOLLOWS. DISEASES, TREATMENT, AND CURES. 

We have touched somewhat on gestation and maternity, in 
the chapter concerning the treatment of breeding cows; but 
further suggestions are necessary. 

A breeding, and milk cow, in all her bodily conditions, should 
be gently and kindly treated. 

She should never be driven at a pace beyond a walk. 

She should never be jumped over fences or bars, and when 
necessary to pass them, they should be let down low for her to 
go through, or over easily, and without effort. 

She should not be boisterously shouted at in driving; and if, 
where a number are together, they at any time become crowded, 
ample time should be given to get out of each other's way with- 
out hooking, or hunching. 

If they meet with an obstacle in the way, by other animals, 
or objects occasioning fear, or fright, let them leisurely survey 
and avoid it by their own impulse, rather than be goaded on to 
what they may think danger, although such object, or obstacle 
may, in itself, be harmless. 

Never suffer the cow or the herd to be worried by dogs, either 
in driving, or in the field when grazing. 

Be gentle with them, always. Pregnant cows are liable to 
various casualties from these or any other kind of maltreat- 
ments, which may affect either their offspring, or dairy qualities. 



416 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

After the cow has been served by the bull, mark the date, 
and her heat having passed, turn her quietly into the field, or 
stable, with the other cows, provided the bull be confined by 
himself, as he should be. If not impregnated, her heat will 
return in about twenty days. If she so return, repeatedly, and 
be in high condition of flesh, her feed should be reduced ; let her 
be regularly salted, twice a week, (when she was only salted once 
a week, or less, before,) whether she be at pasture, or soiled, or 
in the winter stable. If a healthy creature, she will not long 
remain refractory to conception. If she have a natural, or 
chronic inclination to barrenness, and a valuable animal, foi 
breed, patience must be indulged with her, and the causes of her 
difficulty, if possible, ascertained, and if within the power of 
remedies, corrected. (Many farriers resort to bleeding: we do 
not much believe in it.) Sometimes a cow or heifer may remain 
passive for weeks, after her connection with the bull, and still be 
unimpregnated, when a sudden return of her heat will be seen. 
Such freaks are not always to be accounted for, and a return to 
the bull may be successful. Within three or four months, if 
she remain quiet, the signs of pregnancy may be ascertained by 
any intelligent herdsman. The motions of the foetus may be 
felt by passing the hand on the right flank; or by putting the 
ear close upon it, the beating of the foetal heart may be heard. 
The first pregnancy in young heifers may be ascertained by a 
gradual growth of the udder, which soon takes place, not to be 
much enlarged till a few weeks before parturition. 

AS MATERNITY APPROACHES, 

The udder of the cow, or heifer, should be closely watched, that 
it be not inflamed, or caked, with the rapid secretions of milk 
that may now flow into it. The progress of this milky flow will 
somewhat depend on her condition, the season of the year, and 
the succulence of her food. There is less danger of inflamma- 



PREGNANCY AND WHAT FOLLOWS. 417 

tioii from cows which have had calves, than of heifers with their 
first yeaning. We have had several instances in both, and for 
several days before calving, were obliged to daily draw their 
teats of some quarts of milk, as the only way to prevent the 
difficulty. This should always be resorted to, when the milk 
will flow, before other efforts are made. 

Some people have an idea that no milk should be drawn from 
the udder, until the cow is delivered of her calf, as it would be 
injurious to both. That is not so. We have repeatedly done iv, 
much to the relief of the cow, and no injury, that we could dis- 
cover, to the calf. It sometimes happens that the udder becomes 
swelled, and hard, when no milk can be drawn from it. In such 
cases it should be washed, and anointed, to soothe the pain, and 
bring down the soreness and swelling. A washing of salt and 
water, weak soap suds, or bathing in water alone is good. An 
ointment of camphor, mixed with cream, hog's lard, or fresh 
butter, may be used, well rubbed in by hand all over the udder 
and teats. These failing, a sack, or woolen cloth — part of an 
old blanket or carpet — may be made large enough to enclose the 
udder and forward along the belly, and in rear up into the twist, 
secured by strapping it over her back. This sack should then 
be kept throughly saturated with mildly warm water, which may 
quite relieve her difficulty — when the washes and ointments fail. 
The period which has passed since receiving the bull, is not a 
sure test of the time she may bring forth, as it may be some- 
what earlier or later than the average of two hundred and 
eighty -four days, which has been noted as the common duration 
of pregnancy. Therefore a close observation is necessary. A 
few days immediately preceding parturition, if all is right with 
her, the udder grows rapidly with its secretions of milk, the 
belly drops and becomes narrower; forty-eight to twenty-four 
hours previous to the birth, the "calving bones" fall, (every 
cow keeper knows what this means,) and the uneasiness of the 
18* 



418 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

cow indicates that parturition may be expected at any moment. 
As before directed, she should be within immediate reach by 
night, or day, and if a valuable animal, a night's watching of 
her keeper may be well repaid in the result. The natural labor 
of the cow, and the assistance which she may require, if any, 
will be noticed in subsequent pages, under their appropriate 
heads. 

When the calf is delivered, let the dam lick it as thoroughly 
as she chooses, as is natural to her. It dries the calf of its 
slimy coating, and it is soon able to rise and find the teat, which 
is its first impulse. If the placenta, or after-birth be immedi- 
ately voided, it should be removed at once, and buried, either in 
the manure heap, or under ground. 

When the cow, or heifer, as may be, has safely calved, and 
is not quite gentle, she should be confined in her stall, the calf 
suckled, (and assisted to do so if necessary,) and the udder 
thoroughly drawn to emptiness. She should be given a pai] 
full (or even more, if she be a large animal,) of blood-warm 
mash, composed of bran, or grain meal diluted in water to a 
drinking consistency — for she has gone through an exhaust- 
ing process — which will tend much to revive and strengthen 
her. This may be once or twice repeated, for a day or two, if 
she lags in her immediate recovery. If she does well, her usual 
feed may then be given, and she can take her place with other 
cows, in the regular dairy, or for such purpose as is required. 
Of the future care of the calf, we have already spoken. 

If, after some hours, a part of the placenta be still retained in 
the womb, or vulva, a laxative drink of boiled flax-seed, or meal 
gruel, or a dose of salts, may be given her, which is usually 
effective; but no forced, or violent effort, should be made to 
expel it, as it is sometimes held by an internal attachment that 
may not be forcibly sundered without injury to the maternal 
organs. A slight weight of one or two pounds — a little sand 



PREGNANCY AND WHAT FOLLOWS. 419 

bag — may be tied to it, just above the gambril joint, to gradu- 
ally draw upon, and thus loosen its hold, and expel the noisome 
incumbrance. It is seldom, however, when the cow is in good 
condition, that nature itself fails to remove the placenta. 

It sometimes occurs that the udder of the cow at parturition 
becomes caked, swelled, and inflamed, or the teats be sore, or 
chapped, and not caused by an over secretion of milk. In such 
cases, the applications before mentioned may be applied, which, 
frequently repeated, together with the sucking of the calf, will 
be effective. But no neglect of the kind should be suffered to 
prevent bringing the udder into its proper condition, as soon as 
may be. Such cases neglected, or carelessly treated, may either 
spoil the cow outright, or cause a portion of the udder and teats 
to be lost, and thus her value materially lessened. In fact, the 
most assiduous attention of the keeper should be given, in carry- 
ing the cow safely through this critical period, and bringing her 
to the best condition of profit and usefulness. 

MARKS INDICATING THE AGES OF CATTLE. 

The horns — when cattle have horns — are commonly examined 
by most people, to judge of their ages. When not exceeding 
seven or eight years, these may give a tolerable indication of the 
time they have lived, by the number of rings at the root of the 
horns. With steers, at three years old, and heifers not breeding 
until that age, the first ring appears. Heifers which breed at 
two years, commonly show the ring during that season, after 
breeding; so beyond that age, the latter, judged by that mark 
alone, show a year older than they actually are. An additional 
ring grows out every succeeding year. Thus, the animal shows 
one ring at three years, two rings at four, and so on; but aftei 
several rings are developed, as at eight, nine, or ten years, they 
become more or less indistinct, running into each other, and no 
accurate test, by this measure, is left. The rings on the short, 



420 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 



stubbed, and rough horns of bulls, seldom show with any accu 
racy at all. Aside from the uncertainty relating to the rings in 
old animals, they are easily rasped, or scraped off by designing 
men — a thing very often done with a view to falsify their true 
ages — so that no positive test of age may be looked after in that 
feature. 

THE TEETH MARKS, 

However, are a sure indication of age up to seven, eight, or even 
ten years. We find this whole subject of the teeth so well dis- 
cussed in Youatt, that we offer no apology for giving his gene- 
rally correct authority entire: 

"The mouth of the new-born 
calf presents an uncertain ap- 
pearance, depending on the 
mother having exceeded, or fal- 
len short of the average period 
of utero-gestation. Sometimes 
there will be no vestige of 
teeth, but generally, either two 
central incisors will be protruding through the gums, or they will 
have arisen and attained considerable bulk. 

"At the expiration of the third week the animal will have 

six temporary incisors or 
front teeth. 

"At a month, the full 
number of incisors will 
have appeared. These 
are the temporary or milk 
teeth. The enamel will be 
Third week. Month. seen covering the whole 

of the crown of the tooth, but not entering into its composition 
as in the horse, and it will be observed that the edge is exceed- 
ingly sharp. The only indication of increasing age, will be the 




Birth. 



Second week. 




THE TEETH MARKS. 



421 



wearing down of these sharp edges, and the appearance of the 
bony substance of the tooth beneath. The two corner teeth 
will be scarcely up before the center teeth will be a little worn. 
At two months, the edge of the four central teeth will be 
evidently worn; yet as the wearing is not across the top of the 
tooth, but a little out of the line of its inner surface, the edge 
will remain nearly or quite as sharp as before. At three months 
the six central teeth, and at four months the whole set will be 
worn, and the central ones most of all; but after the second or 
third month, the edge of the tooth will begin to wear down, and 
there will be more of a flat surface, with a broad line in the 
center. 

"About this time a new change will begin, but very slowly, 
to be seen. The central teeth will not only be worn down on 
their edges, but the whole of the tooth will appear diminished, a 
kind of absorption will have commenced. There will be a little, 
but increasing space between them. The face of the tooth will 

likewise be altered, the 
inner edge will be worn 
down more than the outer, 
and the mark will change 
from the appearance of a 
broad line to a triangular 
shape. The commence- 

Eight months. Eleven months. ment of this alteration of 

form, and diminution of size, may be traced to about the fourth 
month, and our cut gives a representation of the two central 
incisors at eight months. The central teeth are now not above 
half the size of the next pair, and they are evidently lessened. 
"At eleven months, the process of dimunition will have 
extended to the four central teeth, in the manner represented 
in the cut. The vacuities between them, will now be evident 
enough. 




422 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 




"The first cut gives the mouth of a young steer fifteen 
months old. 

"The second cut pre- 
sents us with the curious 
and diminutive appearance 
of all the incisors in a bul- 
lock eighteen months old. 
It would appear difficult 
for him to obtain sufficient 
Fifteen months. Eighteen months. food to Support himself 

in good condition. It is somewhat so, and it may be in a 
great measure owing to these changes in the teeth, and the 
difficulty of grazing, that young beasts are subject to so many 
disorders from seven or eight months and upwards, and are so 
often out of condition. They contrive, however, to make up for 
this temporary disadvantage by diligence in feeding; and, to 
allude for a moment to another animal, we have known many, 
not only a broken-mouthed, but a toothless ewe thrive as well 
as any of the flock, for she was grazing all the day, and rumi- 
nating all night. 

"At this time, eighteen months old, the corner teeth will not 
be more than half their natural size ; the center ones will be yet 
more diminished ; and, as the cut very faithfully represents, the 
vacuities between them will be almost equal to the width of the 
teeth. The faces of the teeth also, such faces as remain, will be 
lengthened ; the triangular mark will diminish, and principally in 
the central teeth; while another, more or less deeply shaded, will 
begin to appear around the original mark. 

"All this while, the second set of teeth, the permanent ones, 
have been growing in their sockets, approaching towards the 
gums; but not as is said to be generally the case with other 
animals, and with the human being in particular, pressing upon 
the roots of the milk teeth, and causing them to be absorbed, 



THE TEETH MARKS. 



423 



until, at length, losing all hold in the socket, they fall out. The 
process of absorption commences here in the whole milk-tooth, 
and as much in the crown or body of it as at its root. 

"The process of general diminution seems now for awhile 
retarded; it is confined to the central teeth, and they gradually 
waste away until they are no larger in the body than crow-quills. 
About the expiration of the second year, or a little before, the 
milk teeth are pushed out, or give way, and the two central per- 
manent teeth appear. 

"This cut gives the mouth of a two year old beast; the two 

permanent central incisors 
are coming up, and the 
other six milk teeth re- 
main. The bone in front 
of the lower jaw is taken 
away, in order that the 
alveoli, or cells for the 
teeth, may be exposed. 

Two years. Three years. The second pair of incisors 

have almost attained their proper size, but have not assumed 
their proper form. The third pair are getting ready, but the 
jaw is not yet sufficiently widened for the development of the 
fourth pair. 

"The process of absorption will still be suspended, with regard 
to the two outside pairs of milk teeth, but will be rapid with 
regard to the second pair, and a little before the commencement 
of the third year they will disappear. The second represents the 
three year old beast, with four permanent incisors, and four milk 
teeth. 

"Now the remaining milk teeth will diminish very fast, but 
they show no disposition to give way, and at four years old 
there will be six permanent incisors, and often apparently no 
milk teeth, but if the mouth is examined, the tooth that should 




424 



AMERICAN CATTLE. 




have disappeared, and the tooth that is to remain until the next 
year, are huddled together and concealed behind the new per- 
manent tooth. They are often a source of annoyance to the 
animal; and the tooth whose turn it was to go must be drawn. 

The four year old mouth 
then, as represented in this 
cut, should contain six per- 
manent incisors and two 
milk teeth. 

"At the commencement 
of the fifth year, the eight 
Four years. Five years. permanent incisors will be 

up ; but the corner ones will be small. This cut gives a five 
year old mouth, or perhaps one a month or two after five years; 
so that the beast cannot be said to he full-mouthed, i.e., all the 
incisors fully up, until it is six years old. It will be seen, how- 
ever, in this mouth of five years, that the two central pairs are 
beginning to be worn down at the edges, and that in a flat 
direction, or somewhat inclined towards the inside. 

"At six years old, the teeth are fully grown, but this mark 
has extended over the whole set, and all the teeth are a little 
flattened at the top ; while on the two center ones there begins 
to be a distinct darker line in the middle, bounded by a line of 
harder bone.* 

"From this time the age can only be guessed at, and not 
decidedly affirmed; and a great deal will depend upon the man- 
ner in which the animal is fed. The beast that is most out, and 

" * We are perfectly aware against what authority we are contending, when we 
thus compute the age of cattle by the appearance of the teeth. The pleasing author 
of the ' Illustrations of Natural History, 1 gives the beast a full mouth at three years 
old, and so does Buffon, and the editor of the Encyclopedia Metropolitana. Mr. 
Parkinson says that the mouth is full at four, although he acknowledges that the 
teeth are not perfectly up until the animal is six years old. We have no hesitation, 
however, in appealing to the experience of the breeders of cattle, for the general 
accuracy of our account." 



THE TEETH MARKS. 



425 




that is compelled most to use his incisor teeth, will have them 
worn farthest down. Perhaps, as a general rule, but admitting 
of many an exception, it may be said that at seven years old, 
this line is becoming broadest and more irregu- 
lar in all of the teeth; and that a second and 
broader, and more circular mark, appears 
within the center of the former one, and 
more distinct in the central or two central 
pairs — and which at eight years, has spread 
Six years. over the six central incisors. 

"A year afterwards, however, a change takes place which 
cannot be mistaken. The process of absorption has again com- 
menced, and precisely where it did when the animal was four 
months old, viz., in the central incisors; but it is slow in its 
progress, and it is never carried to the extent to which we 
observed it in the milk teeth. It is, however, sufficiently plain, 
and the two central teeth are evidently smaller than their neigh- 
bors. A considerable change has also taken place on the surface 
of the teeth; the two dark marks are rubbed into one in all but 
the corner teeth. 

"At ten, the four central incisors are diminished in size, and 
the mark is becoming smaller and fainter. 
The cut represents the mouth at this age. 

"At eleven, the six central ones are 
smaller ; and at twelve, all of them are very 
considerably diminished ; but not, as we have 
already observed, to the same extent as in 
the young beast. The mark is now also faint, 
or nearly obliterated, except in the corner 
teeth, and the inside edge is worn down to the gum. 

"The beast is now getting old; the teeth continue to dimmish, 
and it is not often that the animal, after fourteen or sixteen years 
old, is able to maintain his full condition. He must then be taken 




Ten years. 



426 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

up and partly fed in the house; yet there are manv instances in 
which favorite bulls have been kept until they were more than 
twenty years old; and we know a cow of the same age who 
pastures with the rest of the dairy, and gives a fair quantity of 
milk. 

"Some writers have asserted, that a good cow will usually 
continue good until that age; but the dairyman would discover 
his error, both in the quantity and quality of his milk, if he 
received it as a general rule, that a good cow will continue to 
breed and give milk until twenty years old. Mr. Watkinson, 
however, had a cow that for seventeen years gave him from ten 
to twenty quarts of milk every day ; was in moderate condition 
when taken lip; six months in fattening; and, being then twenty 
years old, was sold for more than £18 ($90). Mr. John Holt, 
of Walton, in Lancashire, had a healthy cow- calf presented to 
him, whose dam was in her thirty-second year, and could not be 
said to have been properly out of milk for the preceding fifteen 
years. 

"This method, then, of judging of the age of cattle by the 
teeth, is more satisfactory than by the horns, and little of the 
imposition can be practiced to which the buyer is sometimes 
exposed, whether the animal is young or old. It is true, that 
from six to nine we can only guess at the age ; but we can form 
a shrewd guess, and can scarcely be out more than a few months. 

"With regard to the horns, we are subject to imposition at all 
times; we are obliged to ask questions as to the first calf; and, 
when the animal gets old, the supposed rings often present a 
mass of confusion, of which the best judges can make nothing. 

"The grinders will rarely be examined to ascertain the age of 
a beast. They are too difficult to be got at ; and the same 
dependence cannot be placed upon them. The calf is generally 
born with two molar teeth, and sometimes with three in each 
jaw, above and below. The fourth appears about the expira- 



THE TEETH MARKS. 427 

tion of the eighth month, and the fifth at the end of the year, 
about which time the first molar is shed. The second is dis- 
placed at the end of the second year, and so with the rest, at 
intervals of a year; but the sixth molar, which is from the 
beginning a permanent tooth, does not appear until the sixth 
year." 

DISEASES, TREATMENT, AND CURES. 

Having passed through the various topics of breed, and man- 
agement, we cannot well conclude our work without treating 
somewhat of diseases, and their remedies. Cattle Farriery is a 
profession of itself, and when diseases take a distinct and malig- 
nant type, few men, except experts in ascertaining their character 
and applying their remedies, should undertake their treatment, 
wherever it be possible to command their services. In America 
we have few professed cattle farriers — almost every farmer 
being, more or less, his own physician in that line, so far as local 
diseases, and the popular remedies for them, are concerned, or 
usually sought. 

As to these rem'edies, but little is scientifically understood 
among the mass of our farmers. Father teaches what he knows 
to son, or neighbor imparts his knowledge to neighbor, and so 
the thing goes, partly by observation, some by tradition, and a 
good deal by guess work. We need schools of cattle farriery, 
where the subject of anatomy, and diseases, are taught scientifi- 
cally, as surgery and medicine are, when applied to the human 
system. Yet, under proper treatment when in health, our neat 
stock are liable to so few diseases that a profession of the kind, 
we fear, would prove but a scanty occupation. 

We have consulted several medical works on cattle diseases, 
and, like those works on human disorders, they differ much ; in 
many things they are contradictory, and perhaps, in due justice 
to the subject, we snould dismiss it by a reference to such authori- 
ties as Youatt, Dadd, and others, who have written and pub- 



428 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

lished treatises, and are acknowledged as competent authorities 
Such a course, however, would hardly discharge the duty 
expected of a work of the character we have assumed, and we 
shall, in consequence, treat somewhat of disorders and diseases 
as they are most likely to occur in the farmer's own herds, insu- 
lated as he usually is from the rounds of professional practice. 

.We may safely assert, that in a large portion of the country, 
our neat stock are far less prone to diseases, plagues, and malig- 
nant disorders, than the cattle of any part of Europe, although 
our climates, from north to south, are subject to greater extremi- 
ties of heat and cold, than the European continent. Yet, we do 
have diseases of many characters and tendencies, sometimes diffi- 
cult to understand, but most of them have proved manageable 
with proper forethought and fair treatment. On the whole, our 
American cattle, may, in general, be called healthy, and liable to 
comparatively few diseases. 

It is an old and true adage, that "an ounce of prevention is 
better than a pound of cure." So then, he who properly cares 
for his stock from their birth onward, will be visited with few 
disorders in his herd, and these, with due precaution, and timely 
looking after, in most cases, may be safely controlled. Good 
shelter, proper food, pure water, and timely care, will, in most 
instances, keep herds in good health — extraordinaries excepted. 
We have known farmers, with large herds, who scarce ever had 
a diseased animal. We have known others equally well situa- 
ted, so far as the opportunity of keeping and caring for them were 
concerned, who were always afflicted with sickly cattle. They 
died, annually, with murrain, or some other malady, solely arising 
from poverty, exposure, bad food, or neglect ; and the wonder of 
this latter class continually was — u what ailed their cattle?" If 
they will read, and ponder over our previous pages, and act on the 
suggestions they contain, they will soon find a reform in the con- 
duct of their herds ; but if they still go on in their old negligent 



DISEASES AND TREATMENT. 429 

ways, they must suffer; and on their own heads must fall the 
penalty. 

The habits of all domestic animals, are exceedingly simple. 
Their natural tastes are so; their necessary food is so; and their 
anatomical and internal organs are such as to dispose of their 
food, and drink, to the due nourishment of their systems, without 
much, if any artificial help. So, then, that their food be regular, 
and sufficient, nature may safely be left to its own course, in the 
great majority of cases, with a safe result. No farmer should 
ever bring a creature on to his place having a contagious disease, 
or permit one to remain there, either in the company, or within 
the sympathies of other cattle. We once bought a fine blooded 
cow, diseased with a sort of scrofula, or consumption — some 
might call it an incipient murrain — and we lost, not only her, 
but at least half a dozen other cows and heifers, by the conta- 
gion, before we got rid of it. That experiment taught us a les- 
son. We never since, bought a diseased animal, if we knew it. 
Better knock the thing in the head at once, than to expose the 
other stock on the farm to contagion of any sort. Accidents 
have sometimes occurred, as under almost all circumstances they 
will occur, and not always to be provided against; and so will, 
sometime, diseases, as milk fever, and other ailments, incident to 
their condition, which must be promptly looked after ; but with 
due precaution, they seldom occur, under proper management of 
the herd. We do not say that all such diseases or ailments can 
be cured, for with the best and ablest treatment, they sometimes 
prove fatal ; yet, with due care they may, in a majority of cases, 
be relieved. 

We may be excused for one remark. There exists, in almost 
every neighborhood where cattle abound, some quack, or pre- 
tender, in cattle disorders — ignorant in almost every thing else, 
yet professing to be great in that department. He assumes a sort 
of intuitive knowledge in those matters, and looks profoundly 
wise on every case submitted to his inspection, and affects great 



430 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

secrecy in the material of his remedies, which he is loth to impart 
to others. He may castrate a calf, a sheep, or a pig, with some 
cleverness, perhaps, and possibly help a cow to calve in a tough 
case, when sheer muscular strength is mainly required, and give 
her a simple drink, if needed; but as to anything like scientific 
skill or knowledge, he is as ignorant as a medicine man of the 
Cheyenne Indians. Such practitioners are frequently resorted to 
in plain cases, and sometimes with tolerable success ; but in cases 
of inflammatory, or acute disorders, they are to be avoided. 
They know nothing of them, and should never be employed. A 
sensible, observing herdsman, who studies symptoms and effects, 
can far better be trusted with their treatment, and possible cure, 
when a competent farrier is not within reach. But aside from 
diseases, there are some 

HABITS AND TRICKS OF CATTLE 

That need looking after, as well as to be discussed ; and before 
we touch the former, it may be well to notice a few of them. 

kicking cows. 
It is sometimes the case that cows, from some cause or other, 
acquire a habit of kicking. Some would seem to be natural 
kickers, from their propensity to do so from their first coming in. 
If such be the fact, and they persist in it, the better way is, if 
they are not extraordinary good ones, to turn them off for fat- 
tening mto beef. But if valuable for the dairy, they can be 
easily managed. Our own process has been to take the iron for- 
ceps, used for holding cattle by the nostrils, and tying them by a 
rope or strap to a beam overhead, and drawing up their noses at 
an elevation, and there securing them, while they are milked. 
If that is not effective, a leather strap, with a loop just back of 
the bnukle end, through which is put the other end, is the best 
instrument for the purpose. Put this around one leg just above 
the hock joint, run the smaller end through the loop, that it may 
not slip down ; then put it around the other leg, and pass it back 



TRICKS OF CATTLE. 481 

ihrough the buckle so as to confine her legs close together. So 
secured, she cannot well kick, as the strap holds them fast one 
to the other, and the cow is easily milked. Or, lacking a strap, 
a rope passed around one leg and crossed, then lashed around the 
other, and brought back with a turn or two around the cross 
between the legs, and tied, will answer the purpose. She soon 
becomes accustomed to it, and will readily submit to the opera- 
tion. We have so used valuable cows for years, with little 
trouble, preferring so to do rather than lose their services. Scold- 
ing, fretting, loud threatening, thumping, and flagellations, are 
of little use. The cow may have a hot temper, as well as her 
milker, and resist all such sorts of discipline. The law of kind- 
ness is usually much more effective. 

A KICKING OX 

Is troublesome, either in the stable or when at work. Yet we 
have known some of the best workers which had acquired a 
most inveterate habit of the kind, and freely exercised it on even 
the slightest occasions. In nineteen cases out of twenty, the 
habit was acquired by improper treatment of him by his keeper. 
When steers are kindly treated at breaking, and in their subse- 
quent work, there is little danger of their contracting such a vice 
at all. Kind and gentle treatment, with a steady driver, is the 
best remedy. The owner must exercise his own judgment 
whether to regain, or discard him. 

BREACHY ANIMALS. 

This habit is acquired in most cases through the carelessness 
or negligence of the person owning them. We have known 
somp cattle that seemed to have almost a natural propensity that 
way, but in seldom instances. We have seen even calves that 
would jump with almost the celerity of a deer, but in most cases, 
low, and insecure fences first led them to it. As they grew up, 
they learned to throw fences with their horns; but such enclosures 
were generally poor and insufficient. We have known others 



432 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

that would ingeniously unhook a gate, or open a door, even when 
properly latched, or otherwise fastened ; but such have been rare. 
The only sure remedy for such disturbances is fattening and 
slaughter. It is the best use they can be put to, unless of great 
value for breeding, or labor, and if so retained, secure confine 
ment is the best remedy. We dislike to see a creature going 
about in the pasture with a board hung over its face, or with a 
poke on, or hobbled. They are thus apt to be set upon by other 
animals, as they are taken unawares without the means of defence, 
or escape, and thus frequently injured. Besides, their example 
is bad. "Evil communications corrupt good manners,"- among 
cattle as among men. Better to have them out of the way at 
once, as their examples may be contagious. 

COWS SUCKING THEMSELVES. 

This is another bad trick. We dislike to see a cow going 
about the pastures with a frame-work around her neck. Better 
serve her the same as the breachy one, and rid the herd of her 
presence. We never had a creature of the kind, and if we had, 
would not take the pains to make the complicated machinery for 
its protection, unless she were of very choice blood, whose pres- 
ervation was worth any amount of pains to keep her under 
proper control. 

HOOKING QUARRELING. 

Animals may be prevented from much mischief by putting 
balls of either wood, pewter, or brass (the latter are best,) on 
the ends of their horns. They may be either riveted on, or 
screwed firmly. The manner of doing it is too simple to need 
direction. 

There may be other tricks and vices of a trivial nature, to 
which cattle may become addicted, but from a long experience 
and observation in that line, we believe that under proper treat- 
ment, these tricks and vices will be few ; at least we have seldom 
been troubled with them. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



DISEASES PROPER. 



On this subject we borrow our authority chiefly, and shall 
pass on to those most common to our herds, as they occur on 
the farms, or among individual animals kept by householders for 
their own domestic uses. 

We have consulted several different authorities, both European 
and American. In causes, and symptoms, they generally agree, 
but in their cures they frequently differ, sometimes radically; 
and in the latter, both Allopathic, and Homeopathic remedies 
are prescribed. Either, or both may be correct, or deficient. 
We do not pronounce an opinion either way, for we are not a 
farrier. We leave the adoption of either class of remedies, to 
the judgment of him who owns and cares for his stock. 

The whole subject of cattle diseases cannot be discussed short 
of a thorough treatise, which would occupy a number of pages 
far beyond what has already been written in this volume, and 
which, if attempted, would swell it to inordinate dimensions. 
To him who wishes to examine the subject to a great extent, 
we can do no better than refer him to the elaborate pages of 
Youatt, already mentioned, as perhaps the most competent and 
complete English authority; or to "Allen's Diseases of Domes- 
tic Animals," or "Dadd's American Cattle Doctor," more com- 
pendious, and perhaps equally good American authorities. We 
do not propose to quote much from either of them. 

We have in our hands a little English work, entitled " The 
Modern Farrier," by G. Lowson; printed in Lot-don in the year 
19 



434 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

1850, from which our own medical treatment of cattle has been 
practiced for the last fifteen years, with success. It is, in the 
main, simple, sensible, and unpretending; and as such, we are 
content to lay it before our readers, so far as its observations 
extend. 

Preliminary to the extracts from Mr. Lowson's work, we give 
a short paper prepared for us by an experienced farmer, of close 
observation, on Water Remedies; and if he appears somewhat 
enthusiastic in his modes of treatment, the reason may be found 
in the fact that in his farm practice of some fifteen years past, 
with a considerable stock of cattle on hand, he has never lost a 
single one by diseases of any kind, and in all cases which have 
occurred with him, he has applied his water remedy with com- 
plete success. 

WATER TREATMENT FOR DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

"As bleeding, blistering, and all violent remedies for the 
human subject goes gradually out of date, so the milder treat- 
ment, and greater trust in nature, ought to be applied even to 
our animals. But still, all the treatises yet extant, for the 
guidance of the herdsman, after describing the disease, turn only 
to the medical vocabulary for relief; and the poor animal must be 
bled, purged, cauterized and irritated, instead of being soothed, 
quieted, assisted. 

"In garget, or swollen udder, for instance, bleeding, or a pur- 
gative is first recommended. Let us examine the case. The 
udder has become inflamed, probably, the teats swollen, the milk 
coagulated, with more or less fever. Now, the prescription 
says, 'bleed, purge with epsom salts, ginger, nitrate of potassa, 
molasses,' &c. The operation of this purgative is, to irritate the 
stomach, alimentary canal and intestines, and by sympathy other 
parts of the system, of necessity increasing, at first, the fever 
and irritation, which it is intended to allay. All purgative medi- 



WATER TREATMENT. 435 

cines operate by irritation, and not as a solvent. It is a direct 
attack upon the vital functions, which, in self-defence, pour upon 
it a watery secretion from the mucous membrane of the stomach 
and bowels, to dilute it and 'render it less harmful, while it is 
conducted along the alimentary canal by peristaltic motion, and 
expelled from the bowels — called a cathartic, because nature 
kicks it out as an intruder, an enemy. Yet this is called science ! 

"'But,' says the conservative, 'if this is* at antipodes with 
nature, what shall we do to harmonize with and assist nature to 
recover her balance ?' Let us see : 

" The greater part of the animal body is composed of water. 
Three-fourths of the mass of the blood, and nine tenths of the 
fluid secretions, are water. All nutrient matters are conveyed 
in water to the blood, and through it to all parts of the system. 
Water is the only solvent for the alimentary and excrementitious 
matter, and through which the waste or effete matters, are 
expelled by the excretory organs. Water can circulate through 
all the tissues of the body, without producing irritation or in- 
jury. In short, water is in perfect accord with the whole animal 
system. 

" Fever and inflammation are caused by some obstruction in 
the circulation of the system, sometimes by a sudden cold, which 
closes the pores of the skin and prevents the proper excretions. 
In high fever, or inflammation, it has been said ' the blood is on 
fire ; extinguish the flame, and the patient will be well.' 

11 What more is there necessary than to cool off the part, to 
relieve the system of this unnatural heat ? Water is the most 
universal cooling agent in nature, is always at hand, and easily 
applied. Every thing in nature seeks an equilibrium. Apply 
cold to the surface of the skin, and the hot blood rushes there to 
resist it, and to equalize the heat. The tendency to congestion 
of the internal organs in fevers, is relieved by an application of 
cold to the surface. Water not only cools the skin, but opens 



436 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

the pores and promotes its excretions. And when we reflect 
upon the large amount of matter that passes off through the 
pores of the skin, we see the importance of keeping it in a clean, 
healthy state. 

GARGET. 

" In the case of garget, the swollen udder only requires to be 
cooled and cleansed, and kept cool for a short time, to be restored 
to its originally healthy condition. Water furnishes just the 
means for this purpose. Without exciting and irritating the 
whole system of the cow, which is already too much excited, 
water will quiet and soothe the inflammation, cool and soften the 
hot, dry skin of the udder, and soon give ease and comfort to the 
cow. But how shall the water be applied to accomplish this ? 

" Washing and sponging the bag with water will not answer the 
purpose, unless most unremittingly applied, which would require 
a more faithful attendant than is generally found, But if you 
take an oil cloth or India rubber cloth bag, made to fit the cow's 
udder, or nearly so, coming up to the body, flaring at the top, 
held up by a strap over the back, then filled with soft water of 
moderate temperature, say 65°, you have an apparatus that will 
require very little attention. This can be applied by anybody, 
and with much less trouble than a purgative can be given. 

" This mild water will absorb gradually the heat from the udder, 
and not cause any shock to the system, or much determination 
of blood to the part. Very cold water should not be used unless 
there is much inflammation in the udder, as it will cause a great 
determination to the part affected. The water must be changed 
as often as it gets warm. 

" And as there is generally more or less disturbance of the 
whole system, and an inclination to constipation, give the cow 
an injection of about three pints of soft blood-warm water, sim- 
ple water, no medication in it. This will produce a movement 
of the bowels, without any irritation, as the water liquifies or 



WATER TREATMENT. 437 

dissolves the hard feces, and cools off the intestines and bowels. 
If the first injection does not operate in an hour or two, it proves 
there is much internal heat, that the water has been absorbed, 
and another should be given ; and if the first does operate, usu- 
ally a second should be given. These injections are perfectly 
harmless, and can, certainly, be given as easily as medicated ones ; 
they may always take the place of the purgative, and will answer 
a much better purpose. When the application is completed, let 
the udder be slightly chafed with a dry cloth, and rubbed with 
a little lard. We have several times made this application, and 
always with most gratifying success ; seldom requiring more than 
a few hours. 

PUERPERAL OR MILK FEVER. 

" It may be thought that this disease offers insuperable obsta- 
cles to the use of water ; that as the cow, in many cases, cannot 
stand, the remedy cannot be applied. We admit, that this dis- 
ease, as heretofore treated, has been alarming and difficult to the 
herdsman ; that as it sometimes comes on so suddenly, runs its 
course so rapidly, and is drugged so lustily, if not wisely, that 
it leaves his mind in confusion and uncertainty. 

" But there is no real difficulty in using water in this case. The 
true method is to treat cows, before and at calving, so that this 
crisis in the disease will not occur. [See remarks in " As Mater- 
nity Approaches," pages 416, 417, &c. — L. F. A.] All stimu- 
lating food should be avoided, and the animal kept where she may 
have uniform warmth and air. And as, in most cases, the udder is 
swollen and hot, make the application recommended for garget ; 
give copious injections of blood- warm water, which will relieve the 
bowels and intestines; then take matting, or old carpeting, wide 
enough to reach from udder to foreleg, and long enough to reach 
around her, put it under her and bring it together over the back, 
then pour slightly cool water between the blanket and her side, 
thus wetting her over the principal seat of fever or inflamma- 



438 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

tion, producing a fomentation and gradual cooling of the whole 
surface, modifying her fever, and generally producing relief at 
once. It is well to wet and rub, gently, her back, hips and 
flanks. As often as this blanket begins to dry, water should be 
poured in as before, until the fever passes away, when the 
blanket may be taken off and the cow gently chafed with a dry 
cloth till the hair is dry. Moderately cool water should be given 
her to drink, but no effort made to stimulate her appetite, which 
will return when nature calls for food. Let it ever be remem- 
bered, that this treatment, and all treatment of sick animals, 
should be performed in the gentlest manner. Let roughness and 
cruelty be monopolized by the butcher, and never used by the 
herdsman. If this fever should occur in cold weather, a dry 
blanket may be put over the wet one, to keep the heat from 
passing off too rapidly, but if the fever should be high, there 
will be no danger of this. 

" Since writing the foregoing, Mr. George A. Moore, of Buf- 
falo, stated to us, in confirmation of our treatment for milk 
fever, that finding a cow in the worst stages of this fever, and 
quite unable to stand, he directed her to be frequently and 
thoroughly washed, and covered with a blanket to keep the evap- 
oration from being too rapid, and that ' it worked to a charm,' as 
he phrased it, the cow soon recovering her usual strength and 
milk. 

"The reader will readily see how this treatment may be 
applied to other fevers and inflammations. In what is called 
common, or simple fever, the same application should be made. 
In inflammation of the lungs, a similar application may be made 
to the chest, and in all cases of fevers and inflammation, injec- 
tions should be freely used ; they answer in all cases much bet- 
ter than the drug purgative. In diarrhoea, the injection is valu- 
able, where a change of food is not sufficient to correct it, as it 



WATER TREATMENT. 439 

cools off the bowels and intestines, allays irritation, and enables 
nature to resume her proper functions. 

WOUNDS, BRUISES, SPRAINS, ETC. 

" The best surgeons now regard water as an important auxil- 
iary m treating wounds. Lavements, pourings, wet compresses, 
&c, are used for the human subject ; and water answers equally 
well for animals. Simple cut ivounds, when cleansed and dressed 
with water, usually heal without suppuration, especially, if the 
blood be in a healthy state. There being a tendency in all 
wounds to fever and inflammation, water dressings, in the form 
of wet bandages, keep down the unnatural heat, and allow nature 
to go on with the healing process. The lips of the wound may, 
generally, be held together with adhesive straps, and the water 
application put over. The most dangerous wounds, near some 
vital part, are frequently healed with the aid of water to keep 
down the inflammation. "We remember a fine mare that stepped 
on a hoe, the handle of which had been split, leaving a sharp 
end, and throwing the handle up under her belly, caused a deep, 
ugly wound, and so lacerating the bowels, that, being in August, 
it was thought almost useless to attempt saving her. But by 
dressing the wound constantly with water, the flies were kept 
out, inflammation prevented, and the wound healed in two 
months, leaving the animal as valuable as before. Not long ago 
we had a mare that accidentally struck a nail deep into her foot, 
and being idle in the stable at the time, it was not discovered till 
the foot became much swollen ; and when the blacksmith took 
off the shoe, the foot was in such an inflamed condition, that he 
thought nothing could prevent gangrene and the loss of her foot. 
But a shallow tub was put into her stall, filled with water, and 
the foot placed in it. So much did this relieve the pain, that 
when the water was changed, the animal would, voluntarily, place 
her foot in it. The inflammation was soon reduced, and the foot 
became sound. 



440 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" Bruises and sprains are most aptly treated with water, as they 
are liable to be followed by protracted inflammation. The part 
should be immersed in, or poured with cold water, and then kept 
bandaged with water, often changed, till the inflammatory action 
is passed. 

" We did not intend to do more than to point out the simple 
principles in the use of water, and its application to a few impor- 
tant diseases of cattle, leaving the practitioner to enlarge upon 
it. We hope the day is not far distant, when this more rational 
practice will supersede the use of drugs ; and as it has, to a large 
extent, already done so for man, we hope that ' a merciful man 
will be merciful to his beast.' " 



We now commence the extracts from Mr. Lowson's treatise, 
and, in prefacing it, will only remark, that in view of the "water 
treatment" just concluded, a modification, to some extent, of the 
medicinal preparation given by him may be safely recommended, 
when treatment of the several disorders mentioned becomes 
necessary. In this modification we particularly name " bleed- 
ing," which he so often recommends. In human medical prac- 
tice of years ago, that was, in the great majority of cases, one 
of the first things done. Now, bleeding is rare ; and with better 
effect on the disorders so once treated. So with the general use 
of tartar emetic, and calomel. 

As in the human system of treatment, may the lower orders of 
animal creation be managed. We now introduce Mr. Lowson : 

There are many uneducated farmers who delight in medical 
receipts, that are mystified and incomprehensible, and the more 
absurd they appear, the higher opinion they entertain of their 
efficacious effects. 

Mr. John Lawrence, in his able treatise on Cattle Medicine, 
makes the following sensible remarks: "It should be considered 
that animals living in a state of nature, regulated by the reason 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 44 1 

and experience of man, would be almost wholly exempt from 
disease; that their appetites, unlike our own, maybe held under 
a constant control: that their diseases result purely from the 
negligence or erroneous treatment of their owners. They are 
either too much exposed to the rigors and changes of the 
weather, or they are gorged with food, denied a sufficient quan- 
tity, or supplied with such as is unwholesome. Here we learn 
the chief causes of their maladies. Learn to prevent them, 
instead of undertaking the tedious, unsuitable, and hopeless 
task, of learning to cure them. Of all things, let the pro- 
prietors of cattle renounce forever, the insane folly of offering 
premiums for incurable diseases, and the hope of providing medi- 
cines which, by a sort of miraculous operation, will enable men 
to continue in the habit of exposing their animals to the constant 
risk of such diseases. I have no infallible receipts to offer ; on 
the contrary, I wish to impress my readers strongly with the 
idea, that all infallible receipts are infallible nonsense.'' 1 

In addition to these excellent observations, Mr. J. White 
states: "Almost all diseases of cattle, arise either from exposure 
to wet and cold weather, from their food being of a bad quality, 
or deficient in quantity, or from being changed too suddenly from 
poor, unwholesome keep, to rich pasture. It is necessary to 
observe also, that the animal is more liable to be injured by 
exposure to wet and cold, when previously enfeebled by bad 
keep, old age, or any other cause, and particularly when brought 
from a milder and more sheltered situation. I have scarcely met 
with a disease that is not attributed, by those who have the 
care of cattle, to a chill ; and under this impression, the most 
stimulating medicines are usually employed ; among which we 
generally find grains of paradise, ginger, long pepper, and mus- 
tard, in large doses. It unfortunately happens that the disorders 
arising from a chill, are often of an inflammatory nature, and 
require a very different treatment. It must be granted, how- 
ever, that cattle more frequently require stimulating medicines 
than horses ; and that bleeding is not so often required, nor can 
it be carried to such an extent in the former as in horses ; par- 
ticularly in milk cows. Many of the medicines of which their 
drinks or drenches are composed, are quite inert ; some are nearly 
so, and others are very nasty. Hog's dung, stale urine, and a 



442 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

pmt of the animal's own blood, mixed with salt, are generally- 
held in high estimation." 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

Causes. — This disorder may proceed from costiveness, drink- 
ing cold water when much heated and fatigued. It is sometimes 
produced by a change of pasture and error in diet. 

Symptoms. — This disease is accompanied with a very severe 
griping pain, which causes the animal to lie down and become 
very restless ; frequently turning his head towards his belly, or 
attempting to strike it with the hind foot. The pulse becomes 
quicker than natural, the breathing rather quick, and when the 
pain is violent, a copious perspiration takes place. If proper 
remedies are not speedily applied, the disease will terminate in 
mortification and death. 

Cure. — In the proper treatment of this complaint, great caution 
is requisite, according to the circumstances of the case. If the 
pulse is much quicker than natural, the under surface of the eye- 
lid unusually red, and the breathing disturbed, let a large quantity 
of blood be immediately taken away, even five or six quarts ; and 
then, unless the bowels are already unusually open, give the fol- 
lowing drink : 

Sulphate of magnesia, . . . . . .8 ounces, 

Castor oil, ........ 1 pint, 

Gruel, . . . . . . . . . 1 pint. 

Dissolve the salts in the gruel, and add to them the oil, for one dose. 

The operation of this drink should be assisted by clysters. 
When all the above symptoms, however, are not observable ; if 
the under surface of the eyelid is not redder than usual, or if it 
is rather paler, if the pulse is nearly in its natural state, and par- 
ticularly if the animal is rather loose, or scours, the bleeding 
should be moderate ; and if he be rather weak, and low in con- 
dition, it had better be omitted. The following anodyne drink 
is to be given : 

Tincture of opium, - . . half an ounce, 

Spirits of nitrous ether, .... 2 ounces, 

Water, ... . 1 pint. 

Mixed for one dose. 

When the animal has been kept for some time upon dry food, 
and has been observed to dung sparingly, and what he does void 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 443 

appears to be discharged with some difficulty, is more solid than 
usual, of a different color, or of an offensive smell, it shows that 
the disease is occasioned by costiveness ; in which case, relief 
can only be obtained by the laxative drink and clysters. Bleed- 
ing, however, must not be omitted, particularly if the pulse is 
quickened, the under surface of the eyelid redder than natural, 
and the breathing disturbed. If the laxative prove ineffectual 
in removing the costiveness, it should be repeated. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

Causes. — This disease is most prevalent in working cattle, 
owing to over-exertion ; or from being suffered to drink largely 
of cold water immediately after working hard, and when in a 
state of perspiration. It may also occur from exposure to cold 
and wet, or from sudden and violent changes of weather ; indeed, 
the majority of the internal diseases of cattle may very properly 
be attributed to the latter cause. This shows the necessity of 
having sheds, or enclosures, where cattle may be occasionally 
protected from the inclemencies of the weather. Such accom- 
modation is particularly requisite for such as may be attacked by 
this or any other external complaint, and without this precau- 
tion, medical assistance will be of no avail. 

Symptoms. — This disease usually commences with a degree of 
shivering, and is attended by a loss of appetite, and a general 
appearance of depression ; but may be soonest distinguished by 
the increasing motion of the flanks, or quickness of breathing. 
The pulse is more frequent than natural; but small and not easily 
felt. On raising the upper eyelid, its under surface will be found 
particularly red, sometimes approaching to orange color. When 
this disease occurs m a milk cow, she soon loses her milk ; and 
the horns, ears, and legs, are commonly cold. • 

Cure. — Early and copious bleeding is the principal remedy in 
this complaint and from four to six quarts may be taken from 
a cow or ox in tolerable condition ; should the symptoms not 
abate in five or six hours, the operation should be repeated to 
the extent of three or four quarts more, unless the animal faint 
in the meantime; whenever this occurs, on any occasion, the 
bleeding must be immediately stopped. Faintness, when the 
disease is known to be an inflammation of the lungs, is, however, 



444 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

by no means an unfavorable omen , since it is a proof that the 
operation has been carried to its full extent, and a recovery is con 
sequently more likely to occur. A large seton should be put in 
the dewlap, and moistened with oil of turpentine ; and the sides 
should be well rubbed with the following embrocation - 

Water of ammonia, . . . . . .2 ounces. 

Flour of mustard, ...... 4 ounces, 

Oil ot turpentine, . . . . . . .2 ounces. 

The whole to he mixed with as much water as will bring it to the consistence of 
cream. 

Immediately after the bleeding, the following drink may be 
administered : 

Camphor, . . . . . .2 drachms, 

Powdered caraway seeds, ... 1 ounce, 

Nitre, ....... 1 ounce and a half. 

To be given m a pint of gruel. 

Should the animal remain costive, a clyster should be thrown 
up, composed of about three or four quarts of w r arm water, and 
half a pound of common salt. A pint of castor oil may also be 
added to the above drink ; if this cannot be procured, sweet oil, 
linseed oil, or even melted lard, may be substituted. 

Some writers recommend only a small quantity of blood- to 
be taken daily, or every alternate day ; but nothing can be more 
preposterous and absurd. The use of strong, stimulating, or 
heating medicines, in this disorder, should be carefully avoided. 
An experienced writer observes : There is an affection of the 
lungs and parts connected with them. There is not that diffi- 
culty and quickness in breathing ; the pulse is weak, but not 
much quicker than usual ; the kernels or glands, about the throat, 
are often swollen ; sometimes there is a considerable difficulty in 
swallowing, which is particularly seen when the animal attempts 
to drink ; in short, this is nothing more than a severe degree of 
catarrh or cold ; but even in this complaint, moderate bleeding is 
necessary, and powerful stimulants are extremely pernicious, 
When the disease, however, has not been discovered for some 
days, and the animal appears much weakened by it, bleeding, of 
course, is improper. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 

Causes. — Inflammation of the stomach is generally caused by 
some acrid, offensive substance, which the animal has swallowed, 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 445 

or by giving (agreeably to the directions of some foolish cow 
doctoring book) too strong a dose of astringent medicines to 
cure the red-water 

Symptoms. — Every ruminating animal has more than one 
stomach ; the cow is possessed of four ; the first is considerably 
larger than the rest, lies on the left side, and is commonly called 
the paunch. The food having been sufficiently macerated in this 
stomach, is forced up gradually into the mouth, where it under- 
goes a complete mastication, which is termed chewing the cud. 
The food is then again swallowed, and conveyed to the second 
stomach, for the gullet opens indifferently into both. It ends 
exactly where the two stomachs meet ; and there is a smooth 
gullet, with raised edges, which leads into the second stomach, 
and thence to the third and fourth ; the animal, however, has the 
power to direct it into which he will. The second stomach is 
named the honey-comb bag or bonnet. Its internal surface con- 
sists of cells, resembling a honey-comb ; here the food undergoes 
a further maceration, and is then conveyed to the third stomach, 
called many plies or many folds ; because the internal surface rises 
up into many folds. Some of these folds are longer than others, 
and on their surface small glands may be seen, something like 
millet seed. From this it passes into the fourth, or red stomach, 
commonly called the callie or caul. This much resembles the 
human stomach, or that of a dog ; only the inner folds are longer 
and looser. Here the food is perfectly digested, and prepared 
for the nourishment of the animal. 

Such a complicated structure renders this organ particularly 
liable to disease; "-iflammation, however, does not often occur as 
a primary disorder, but is commonly a consequence of some offen- 
sive matter lodged in one of the four stomachs, or from the ani- 
mal feeding so greedily as to weaken the organ, and prevent it 
from performing its functions. 

It is usual to consider this disorder in cattle under two distinct 
species ; one affecting the first stomach or paunch, and the other 
the third stomach or manyplies. This latter is commonly 
denominated lakeburn. 

Cure. — When inflammation attacks the stomach, without any 
injurious matter being swallowed, or any improper accumulation 
of food, the principal remedy will be plentiful bleeding, absti* 



446 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

nence from food, and mucilaginous drinks, such as linseed tea, 
and the administration of relaxing clysters. Should it proceed 
from swallowing poison, the cure will be found under a different 
head. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

Causes. — This disease frequently attacks young beasts that 
are feeding, or in good condition. The kidneys may become 
inflamed, either from external injury, or from irritating substances 
that pass through them in the course of the. circulation; but 
according to the opinion of some eminent practitioners, this dis- 
order is most frequently produced by the indiscriminate use of 
strong diuretic medicines. 

Symptoms. — This disease commences with a shivering, suc- 
ceeded by increased heat of the body, and is followed by a quick- 
ness of the pulse, and loss of appetite ; the animal frequently 
endeavors to stale, and voids only a small quantity, which is of 
a red color, and sometimes with much difficulty and pain ; pres- 
sure on the loins gives pain, and causes the animal to shrink or 
give way to it ; there is usually considerable stiffness in the hind 
parts, perceptible when the cow attempts to walk. This disease 
varies from that termed red-water ; and unless properly treated 
at its commencement, frequently terminates fatally. 

Cure. — Bleeding is the first and most necessary measure to be 
taken in this disorder, after which a pint of castor oil may be 
administered. Should there be any signs of costiveness, let dry 
clysters of warm water with a little sweet oil be given. A lini- 
ment composed of : 

Oil of turpentine, . . . . . . .2 ounces, 

Flour of mustard, ...... 4 ounces, 

Water of ammonia, . ...... 2 ounces. 

Which must be well rubbed on the loins ; after which let them 
be well clothed, or covered with a fresh sheep's or lamb's skin. 
If this does not remove the constant straining to stale, let the 
following clyster be employed : 

Crude opium, , . . . . .1 drachm and a half. 

Dissolved in warm water, and mixed with gruel. 

Or the following : 

Tincture of opium, . . . . .1 ounce and a half. 

Thin gruel, ..... ,1 quart. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 447 

If the animal is very thirsty, an infusion of linseed, or a decoc- 
tion of marshmallows, is the most proper drink. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 

Causes. — Fat beasts, or such as are in good condition, are 
most liable to this disease, especially in hot weather, when over- 
heated by driving, or being exposed to sudden cold after the 
body has been overheated. It may also be brought on by blows 
or bruises on the short ribs, by which the liver may have received 
some injury: or by sudden changes of the weather. 

Symptoms. — Cattle are more subject to diseases of the liver 
than horses, because the latter have no gall bladder ; but in the 
former is one of a considerable size. The symptoms of a dis- 
eased liver are complicated ; and hence we shall treat of these 
subjects under the heads of Diarrhoea, Jaundice, and Hepatic 
Consumption. When an acute inflammation of the liver occurs, 
it should be treated in the same manner as an inflammation of 
the lungs, and is probably produced by the same causes. How- 
ever, this disease is commonly of a slow kind, causing a defect- 
ive action in the organ ; and consequently, an unhealthy kind of 
bile is formed, which plugs up the ducts of the liver, and causes 
a derangement in the organs connected with it. 

Cure. — It must be correctly ascertained whether this disease be 
acute or chronic, before its cure be attempted. The proper mode 
of treatment will be found under the heads before alluded to. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 

Some cows, during the latter part of the time they are in calf, 
have a frequent desire to void their urine, owing to the very irri- 
table state of the bladder. When this is observed, it will gener- 
ally be found to depend upon costiveness ; in which case a laxa- 
tive drink and clyster are the most suitable remedies. This state 
of the bladder has been often, but very improperly, termed inflam- 
mation. Skillful practitioners are inclined to believe that this 
disease very rarely occurs. Should the neck of the bladder 
appear to be obstructed, or if there be any reason to suppose that 
there is a retention of urine, the female catheter, or even the 
finger, may be easily introduced, in order to allow the water to 
pass off freely. 



448 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 

Causes. — This complaint usually proceeds from redundancies 
of blood in the system, called an overflowing of the blood ; or 
by severe contusions of the head. It is sometimes occasioned 
by excessive heat, or a sudden change from a poor to a rich diet. 

Symptoms. — This serious and fatal disorder is one of the most 
distressing to which cattle are subject; it is, however, fortunately 
of rare occurrence. An animal laboring under this disorder, is 
described as having a peculiar wildness and anxiety in his looks, 
being usually watchful, starting often, groaning vehemently, as 
if affected with sudden and violent pain; his respiration is slow, 
but he sometimes makes very long respirations, and appears for 
a time as if his breathing was entirely suspended. Suddenly, 
the beast will rise, turn about, and instantly he down again with 
the same volatility, evincing marks of great restlessness and 
delirium. When the frenzy is high, the eyes look red and furi- 
ous ; at other times they border on languor and stupefaction ; the 
teeth are ground together, and they will sometimes tear up the 
turf with their feet, and toss it into the air with the greatest 
violence ; but the beast always appears to labor under considera- 
ble fear, dreading the approach of anything ; and is often quite 
ungovernable, scarcely ever inclining to rest, except in the latter 
stage of the disease, when, if it has been neglected, or has not 
yielded to the usual remedies, a lethargy takes place, and the 
animal sinks. Sometimes the urine is hot and high-colored ; but 
it is said that before a fit of the frenzy takes place, the urine is 
often of a pale color, and thinner than natural. 

When the symptoms of fury or irritation suddenly cease, ana 
a lethargy takes place, the pulse becoming feeble, and the strength 
diminishing, the case is almost hopeless : but should the fever, 
redness, and flushing in the eye gradually subside, without any 
variation of the pulse, or approaching debility, the beast may 
generally be pronounced recovering. 

On opening the head of such animals as have died of this 
complaint, very evident marks of inflammation appear about the 
membranes of the brain, and very frequently in the substance of 
the brain itself. All the vessels are turgid with blood, and, cut- 
ting into the brain, innumerable little red points are to be seen, 
which do not appear in the natural state. Very commonly an 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 449 

effusion of blood, or of purulent matter is found to have taken 
place in the cavities of the brain, or in some part near its 
surface. 

Cure. — This complaint requires the most prompt and decisive 
measures to be used for its cure. Blood must be taken in copi- 
ous quantities from the jugular vein, or temporal artery. Not 
less than three quarts should be taken, from an ordinary ox or 
cow ; and if the animal is very large, four may be taken ; and 
should the symptoms not abate, the bleeding must be repeated a 
few hours after. When the beast is very furious, it is often 
dangerous to bleed in a very deliberate way ; but as his recovery 
will almost entirely depend upon a sufficient loss of blood in the 
earlier part of the disease, it will not be amiss to bleed him in 
the manner described by Mr. Blaine, who plunged a lancet into 
each jugular, and permitted the animal to bleed till he fainted, 
by which means, though the disease was far advanced, he saved 
the animal. After bleeding, a stimulant blister should be applied 
to the top of the head, and the sides of the neck should be well 
rubbed with a mixture of cantharides and oil of turpentine, and 
other means used to produce external inflammation, for the pur- 
pose of determining the blood from the head. In addition to 
these means, costiveness should be carefully guarded against. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 

Causes. — This disease is very prevalent, and usually proceeds 
either from the cow having been kept in too high a condition at 
the period of calving, or from too much violence having been 
used in the extraction of the calf. 

Symptoms. — This disease is usually indicated by a languid ap- 
pearence, a quick pulse, loss of appetite, and gradual loss of her 
milk. As the disorder advances, the bladder becomes affected, 
and a fetid discharge from the parts frequently occurs. The 
animal appears sometimes to be almost constantly straining, as 
though endeavoring to void something; in those cases a small 
quantity of urine is frequently discharged ; at other times the 
urine is detained so long as to render it necessary to relieve the 
bladder by drawing it off. This may easily be effected, by intro- 
ducing an instrument through the urethra into the bladder, or 
by the finger, the passage being very short. When the disease 
has proceeded thus far, the cow frequently becomes so weak as 
to be incapable of standing. 



450 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Cure. — We have before observed that it is necessary to draw 
off the urine when too long retained. But the principal remedy 
is bleeding. The following laxative drink may be administered 

Epsom salts, . . . . . . .6 ounces, 

Castor oil, ....... 8 ounces. 

Dissolved in a quart of thin gruel or warm water. 

Clysters of warm water and oil are also useful. After the 
bowels have been opened, the following anodyne may be given . 

Tincture of opium, .... . half an ounce, 

Spirits of nitrous ether, ..... 1 ounce, 

Camphor, . . . . . .2 drachms. 

To be given in a pint of gruel. 

This may be repeated, after ten or twelve hours, should it be 
found necessary. When the pain and straining are considerable, 
the anodyne clyster may likewise be given, which consists of 
one ounce and a half, or two ounces of tincture of opium, and 
about a quart of thin, fine gruel. 

When the womb, or any other internal organ, is inflamed to a 
considerable degree, a cure is almost impossible. The earliest 
attention, therefore, should be given to these complaints. 

INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 

Causes. — This disease is known among various people by 
many absurd names, such as Joint Felon, Quarter-evil, Quarter 
ill, Shrinking in Bach- Quarter, &c. It usually occurs to young 
cattle, between the first and third year of their age, but most 
commonly about the second year. It may be said to arise from 
feeding them too hastily ; such as turning them, when in a lean 
state, into rich, luxuriant pastures. 

Symptoms. — The animal that is seized with this complaint, 
suddenly becomes stupid and listless, hanging down his head, 
refusing his food, and apparently moves with difficulty Swell 
ings speedily appear on various parts of the body, which, when 
pressed by the finger, make a cracking noise. The joints are 
sometimes particularly affected ; at other times the swellings 
appear on the back, belly, or shoulder. The disease is rather 
sudden in its attack, and frequently proves fatal, particularly if 
suitable remedies are not quickly applied. 

Cure. — Bleeding is the first and principal remedy, and must 
be used in proportion to the age, and strength of the animal , 
from three to four quarts will generally be found sufficient. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 451 

After this, the following purgative drink may be given with 
considerable advantage : 

Carbonate of potash, . . . . . .2 drachms, 

Sulphate of soda, ...... 6 ounces, 

Barbadoes tar, . . . . . . .3 drachms, 

Warm water, ...... 1 pint. 

Mix for one dose. 

This dose will generally suffice for an animal of two years of 
age. Should there be any difficulty in procuring these medicines, 
give from four to six ounces of common salt in a pint of water ; 
the addition of four ounces of castor oil, or even linseed oil, 
will render it more efficacious. As this disease frequently proves 
fatal, in whatever manner it is treated, preventive measures should 
be speedily applied. Should the animal, however, be relieved 
by the treatment above described, it may occasion considerable 
weakness ; and consequently the following may be given twice 
a day: 

Ginger, ........ 2 drachms, 

Powdered caraway seeds, . . . . . 1 ounce. 

To be given in a pint of oatmeal gruel, or ale. 

Should the joints be affected and swollen, they may be rubbed 
with the following liniment : 

Spirits of sal-ammoniac, . . . . . • 1 ounce, 

Linseed oil, ....... 4 ounces, 

Oil of turpentine, . . . . . . .2 ounces. 

Mix. 

Setons in the dewlap, or other parts of the body, are occasion- 
ally applied as preventives of this disorder. Should it be pro- 
duced by feeding cattle too hastily, Mr. Lawrence has very 
judiciously advised that a short, or inferior keep should be 
reserved, as a digesting place, where cattle may occasionally be 
turned, to empty and exercise themselves. This is certainly pre- 
ferable to bleeding, or any medical preventive. 

BLOODY MURRAIN, RED WATER AND BLACK WATER. 

Causes. — The red water and black water arise from a preter- 
natural quantity of blood being determined to the ki-dneys, and 
a consequent rupture of some of the minute blood vessels of 
those organs. This undue determination of blood to the kidneys 
is very frequently induced by turning cattle, in the spring of the 
year, into low pasture grounds, or woodland pastures, where the 
air is moist, and lessens perspiration, occasioning the blood to 



452 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

become too watery. The balance of circulation is deranged from 
the perspiration being suppressed, and a too great quantity of 
blood is in consequence determined to the kidneys, which gives 
rise to the disease. On removing cattle, thus affected from the 
state of the atmosphere, into a more elevated situation where the 
air is drier, the beast will frequently be restored without the aid 
of medicines. It very often proceeds from cattle being removed 
from good to bad land, the grass of which disagrees with them, 
and the vigor of the body is thereby impaired, and they in con- 
sequence take cold, which flies to the kidneys, and occasions red 
water. It is often produced by their taking cold from the 
changeable state of the weather, or driving them long distances 
in the day. and turning them into fields at night, where they 
take cold. 

The red and black water is most prevalent in the spring and 
summer, when the grass is nutritious and produces a plethoric 
state of the system, or what is commonly called a redundancy or 
overflowing of the blood, which favors an unequal distribution of 
the blood, when they are affected by the causes above mentioned. 
Some cattle are more liable to the red water than others, which 
may in a great measure be owing to the nature of the soil, and . 
the state of the air they have been accustomed to ; these, when 
removed into pastures where the land is bad, and the air moist, 
are frequently attacked with it. 

Symptoms. — These diseases seldom occur separately, and are 
mostly prevalent among milk cows. Mr. Clater conceives the 
red water to be the original disease, and the black water to come 
on as the complaint advances, which is generally an unfavorable 
symptom, often arising from inefficient treatment. When the 
change takes place from red to black water, the animal in general 
stales free from either for several times. In slight cases, where 
the blood is passed away with the urine, the beast does not 
appear to be affected by it ; if a cow, she holds to her quantity 
of milk, and seems no worse. But when the blood so passed 
away is considerable, and sometimes for a length of time, it 
reduces the quantity of milk, and likewise the animal itself, to a 
very low state ; and if some powerful remedy is not resorted to, 
the beast must inevitably sink under the pressure of the disease. 
In these bad cases, the milk sometimes becomes discolored, and 
the beast is frequently so weak, that she is unable to rise when 
down, and requires gruel to be horned into her. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 453 

The red water is sometimes attended with a lax state of the 
bowels, and in some instances a considerable quantity of blood 
is evacuated with the thin dung, and none with the urine. 

Cure. — Purgative medicines are the best remedies in these 
disorders. The following is recommended as a safe and effica- 
cious purge : • 

Castor oil, ........ 6 ounces, 

Nitre, ........ 1 ounce, 

Epsom salts, . . . . . . .4 ounces, 

Whey, or thin gruel, ...... 1 quart. 

Mixed. 

Should this not prove effectual in removing the disease, the 
following drink must be administered : 

Oil of turpentine, . . . . . . .2 ounces, 

Alum dissolved, ...... 1 ounce, 

Terra japonica, . . . . . . .1 ounce. 



Some prescribe the following 



Epsom salts, . . . . . . .4 ounces, 

Cream of tartar, ...... 1 ounce, 

Castor oil, . . . . . . . .4 ounces. 

Mixed in whey. 

After this gentle purge, the following to be given : 

Roche alum, . . . . . . .2 ounces, 

Tincture of cantharides, ..... 2 ounces. 

To be given in a quart of lime water. 

Mr. White observes, that an experienced farmer, whose cows 
were affected by the red water, gave them half a pint of the 
juice of the white blossomed nettle, which speedily cured the 
disease. 

When the animal is perceived to be frequently endeavoring to 
stale, voiding only a small quantity, with considerable pain and 
difficulty, mucilaginous drinks, such as infusion of linseed and 
decoction of marshmallows, are most likely to afford relief. 

SCOURING ROT. 

Causes. — This disease is met with at every season of the year, 
but is more prevalent in autumn, particularly in low, swampy sit- 
uations. This complaint generally arises from suppressed per- 
spiration, induced by the sudden vicissitudes of the weather • 
particularly when the animal has been over-driven, or heated by 
working immediately before. Drinking too much water, under 
similar circumstances, will likewise produce the disease. A want 



454 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

of nourishment, especially in cows that are regularly milked, 
will often cause the scouring rot. 

Symptoms. — In this complaint, farmers frequently lose several 
of their cattle in a season ; owing to which it has received the 
name of the scouring rot. When the purging has been of long 
continuance, a general weakness is produced, accompanied with 
a loss of flesh. The skin hangs loose about the body ; some- 
times the animal appears hide-bound ; the hair turns sandy, or 
of a greyish color ; the eyes grow pale ; the pulse is weak and 
irregular ; the excrements thin and slimy, frequently changing 
color, particularly in the early stages of the disease ; but in the 
further stages of the complaint, the dung appears like half-chewed 
food; the food appearing to pass through the bowels without 
undergoing the process of digestion. Some writers state, that 
when animals have been long affected by the scouring rot, they 
feel a considerable degree of distress and pain when grasped on 
each side of the backbone, just behind the shoulders ; and this 
is considered as a certain sign that the beast has become unsound 
from the scouring rot. 

Cure. — In the cure of this complaint in cattle, a variety of 
remedies have been proposed. Mr. Lawrence recommends, that 
as soon as the disease is apparent, the cattle should be taken to 
the home fold, and put on dry food, which will generally super- 
sede the necessity of medicine. The remedy, which Mr. Blaine 
seems chiefly to rely on, is the following decoction : 

Galls, ....... half an ounce, 

Nux vomica, ..... 1 drachm and a half, 

Ipecacuanha, . . . . . .1 ounce, 

White vitriol, ..... 20 grains, 

Alum, . . . . . . .2 drachms. 

In a quart of water boiled to a pint. 

This receipt may probably appear too complex, and its ingre- 
dients too numerous. The following will be found of service : 

Ginger, . . . . . . . .1 drachm, 

Kino, ....... 2 drachms, 

Castile soap, softened with water, . . . .2 drachms, 

Alum, ........ half an ounce. 

Powder of oak bark, sufficient to make a ball. 

Where the scouring has continued for any length of time, the 
bowels must be extremely sore and tender. In such cases, 
mucilaginous or oily substances would be useful, and they should 
be given frequently, both by the mouth and by way of clyster. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 455 

Mr. Lawrence recommends a pound of fresh mutton suet, boiled 
in three quarts of milk until the suet is dissolved, to form a drink, 
to be given warm. This, we should suppose, would answer 
extremely well. Should the disease increase to an alarming 
height, starch clysters, with laudanum, may be given as a last 
resource. Dr. Blaine observes, that, in these cases, he should 
try animal food altogether ; giving broth to drink, or the blood 
of other animals, with meat balls forced down the throat ; as he 
thinks it very probable that a change might thus be effected in 
the constitution, which might ultimately lead to a perfect cure. 

Mr. White considers that the immediate cause of the disorder 
is an unhealthy action of the liver, and recommends the follow- 
ing drink, which he admits will somewhat increase the scouring 
at first : 

Quicksilver pill, ..... from 2 to 3 drachms, 

Castor oil, . . . . .4 ounces, 

India rubber, . . . . . .3 drachms, 

Gruel, ...... 1 pint. 

Mixed for one dose. 

This should be well stirred immediately before it is given, as 
the quicksilver pill is heavy, and would otherwise soon separate 
and fall down ; for the same reason it is to be given in gruel, 
which will suspend it longer than a thinner fluid. 

This dose should be repeated for three mornings following, 
unless it causes sickness or griping, or increases the scouring in 
a considerable degree. On the fourth morning, commence with 
the following astringent drink, or earlier, should the above medi- 
cine produce its effect before the three doses have been taken. 
During the time the cow is taking the former medicine, she 
should be supplied with warm fluid, of which thin gruel is the 
best, and must not be exposed to a cold air. 

Starch, . . . . . . . .4 ounces. 

Mixed in a similar manner as is employed for stiffening clothes, with three pints 
or two quarts of water, so as to form a thick, mucilaginous fluid. 

To this add : 

Catechu, or terra japonica, ..... half an ounce, 

Tincture of opium, ..... 2 drachms, 

Ginger, . . . . . . .1 ounce. 

Mixed. 

After the scouring has ceased, the cow should be brought 
back by degrees to her usual state. At first she should be 
turned out for a few hours, in some dry pasture, when the 



456 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

weather is agreeable ; and her water should be given gradually 
less warm. This precaution is highly requisite, as the affected 
parts do not immediately recover their strength after the scour- 
ing has ceased. 

In the diarrhoea, which arises from exhausting a cow by con- 
stant milking, when she is not sufficiently fed, or is supplied with 
food of a bad quality, the remedy is sufficiently obvious. But, 
in this case, it too often occurs that the constitution is worn out 
before it is thought necessary to alter the poor animal's condi- 
tion. Whenever this change is made, it must not be done too 
hastily, as other diseases may be produced thereby. 

When calves are first weaned, they are subject to a species of 
purging, which sometimes proves extremely obstinate ; and some 
suppose that the principal reason of the calf-feeders giving them 
chalk to lick, is to prevent this purging. It appears that this 
disease will take place in calves, when they are fed on the milk 
of some particular cows ; and that when the milk is changed, 
the complaint goes off. The purging may generally be sus- 
pended, by boiling starch and bean flour in their milk ; but should 
it still continue obstinate, a little ginger and laudanum may be 
added. 

The last named writer also observes : " As to the medical 
treatment of this complaint, much useless expense is often incur- 
red. The most profitable plan is, I believe, to put the animal 
under cover, especially in winter, autumn, and the early part of 
spring ; and feed on hay, bran mashes, with oats, or oil cake, and 
endeavor to make her fit for the butcher. If it be a milk cow, 
she should be suffered to go dry. Should the scouring continue, 
notwithstanding this change, give, in the first place, the drench 
before directed, or the following : 

Common salt, . . . . . .8 ounces, 

Flour of mustard, ..... 2 ounces, 

Water, . . . . . . . 1 pint and a half, 

Oil, or melted lard, ..... half a pound. 

" This will increase the discharge for a short time ; afterwards, 
the dung will gradually become of a more natural consistence. 
But should the scouring continue, give the astringent drink 
already prescribed, or the following : 

Powdered catechu, . . . . .6 drachms, 

Tincture of opium, ..... half an ounce, 

Powdered ginger, . . . . . . 2 te- 3 drachms, 

Warm ale, ...... 1 pint and a half 

Mixed. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 457 

" The powder, or tincture of galls, would also be found a pow- 
erful astringent. Some farmers give mutton suet boiled in milk, 
with four ounces of oil of turpentine. I once gave eight ounces 
of oil of turpentine mixed with a quart of gruel, and afterwards 
kept the animal under cover, upon hay and bran mashes. The 
dung acquired a healthy appearance in a short time ; but on 
turning her out again, the disease quickly returned." 

Dr. Dickson thinks that much advantage may be derived, in 
these cases, from a strong decoction of hartshorn shavings and 
cassia, with powdered chalk, in the proportion of half a pound 
of chalk, four ounces of shavings, and an ounce of cassia, to be 
boiled together in two quarts of water to three pints, adding the 
cassia towards the close of the boiling. A horn full of this mix- 
ture is to be given several times in the day, shaking it well 
every time. 

CATARRH, OR COLD. 

Causes. — The causes of colds are in general imperfectly under- 
stood, and ought to be attended to. 

Symptoms. — There are two species of catarrh, viz.: simple 
cold, and epidemic catarrh, or what is frequently termed influ- 
enza. The latter sometimes will attack a whole herd of cows, 
or oxen, in one night. When first attacked, the animal seems 
dull and languid; the eyes appear watery, and are sometimes 
partially closed ; and the appetite is generally diminished ; and 
usually attended with cough. Indeed, there are not unfre- 
quently swellings under, or below the ears, a discharge from the 
nostrils, and also a difficulty in swallowing. When this com- 
plaint rages thus violently, it is commonly called influenza, or 
the distemper, and though some persons suppose it to be conta- 
gious, it has not been correctly ascertained that it is so. 

Though colds are very prevalent, especially in very damp, or 
cold weather, and are often deemed of too little consequence to 
deserve particular notice, yet, if the animal is neglected, and suf- 
fered to remain exposed to the vicissitudes of the weather, very 
serious results may ensue. 'In consequence of such neglect, the 
animal is frequently observed to decline gradually, both in sub- 
stance and strength, and also become hide-bound, and possess 
a rough, staring coat; tubercles are ultimately formed in the 
lungs, the mesenteric glands become enlarged, and the passage 
20 



458 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

by which nutriment is conveyed to the blood, is thereby 
obstructed, at length atrophy and death will inevitably ensue. 

Cure. — It is highly requisite that this disorder should be 
attended to as soon as it is apparent. With respect to its cure, 
very considerable advantage will result from nursing and placing 
the animal in a warm situation, and allowing him warm, nour- 
ishing fluids, such as gruel, infusion of malt, &c. At some sea- 
sons of the year, cold are so prevalent as to be considered epi- 
demic and infectious ; generally occurring with great violence, 
and accompanied by fever ; considerable debility also ensues soon 
after the attack. On this occasion, hot stimulating drenches, 
though usually recommended, are very injurious. 

At the commencement of colds, bleeding is generally proper ; 

but should be avoided when the animal is very weak and low in 

condition. The quantity of blood taken, ought rarely to exceed 

two quarts. Should the animal be costive, a laxative drink may 

be given; but if he purges or scours, the following powder may 

be administered : 

Tincture of opium, ..... half an ounce, 

Antimonial powder, .... 2 drachms, 

Powdered ginger, . . . . .3 drachms, 

Camphor, ...... 1 drachm and a half. 

To be given in oatmeal gruel, and repeated alter ei t or ten hours, if it be found 
necessary. 

Should there be found considerable difficulty in swallowing, 

apply the following liniment, and let it be well rubbed about the 

throat : 

Liquid ammonia commonly termed spirits of sal-ammoniac, half an ounce, 
Oil of turpentine, . . . . . .1 ounce, 

Common oil, ....... 1 ounce. 

Mixed. 

In the case of common colds, it will be unnecessary to admin- 
ister medicine, but the animal should be placed in some comfort- 
able situation, and well attended to. Bleeding, in slight colds, is 
rarely requisite ; except the animal, owing to a change of situa- 
tion, becomes hot and feverish, and the eyes appear red, and the 
flanks move quickly ; in which case he must be bled copiously. 
Should the animal prove costive, the laxative should also be 
given. When no feverish symptoms are apparent, the laxative 
should be mixed with an ounce of caraway seeds, and three or 
four drachms of ginger. 

When the distemper has been improperly treated, the animal 
becomes extremely weak, and consequently his strength should 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 459 

be recruited as early as possible ; on which occasion, a tonic may 
be given two or three times a day, which, with a warm, nourish- 
ing diet, and proper care and attendance, will ultimately effect a 
recovery. 

It may be necessary to observe, however, that should the 
animal become costive, a mild laxative, consisting of about half 
a dose, will generally suffice. A moderate quantity of grass will 
be of service, if it can be conveniently procured, but in favora- 
ble weather, some warm sheltered situation is the best place. 

A laxative, composed as follows, may be used : 

Powdered caraway seeds, . . . . . .1 ounce, 

Sulphate of soda, (Glauber salts,) .... 1 pound, 

Oatmeal gruel, . . . . . . .1 quart. 

Mixed for one dose. 

If this disease should appear to be epidemic, speedy measures 
should be adopted for its prevention, which is more particularly 
requisite when rain and cold winds prevail : for catarrh, or cold, 
is frequently an insidious complaint, and if not attended to may 
ultimately produce very unfavorable results. 

THE MANGE. 

Causes. — This disease would seem to arise from poor living 
and want of due cleanliness. 

Symptoms. — This disease generally makes its appearance early 
in the spring, as soon as the warm weather begins to set in, and 
is commonly called by graziers, the scab, or scurf; a popular 
writer thus describes it : 

"The skin is stiff, and sits fast to every part of the carcass, as 
if too small for the body. It makes its first appearance about 
the head and jaws of the animal, with a scurfy, pale, and dry 
texture; and the beast begins to scratch against everything that 
comes in its way ; it then shows itself along the back, and behind 
the shoulders ; and if timely aid be not procured, the animal will 
tear its skin till it bleeds violently, which ought to be prevented 
if possible, as the scabs, which are the consequence of bleeding, 
must retard the efficacy of the ointment, and the loss of the 
time confirms the disorder." 

Cure. — The following ointment will prove serviceable in this 
disease : 

Elecampane root powdered, , . . . .2 ounces, 

Sulphur vivum powdered, ..... 2 ounces. 

Mixed with hog's lard. 



460 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

A recent author recommends the following : 

Hog's lard, ....... half a pound, 

Oil of vitriol, ...... 1 ounce. 

Gradually adding the oil of vitriol to the lard. 

Internal remedies, such as sulphur and gentle laxatives, are 
occasionally requisite ; the most particular attention must be paid 
to cleanliness, exercise, and diet. In cases where the animals 
that have caught the disease are very full of blood, it will be 
necessary to bleed and give cooling physic, before the oinment 
be applied. The skin should always be thoroughly washed with 
soap and water, both before and after the application of the 
ointment, and the animals should be confined till they are per- 
fectly free from the disease. 

The following observations, extracted from the "Edinburgh 
Medical and Surgical Journal," are inserted as tending to show 
the injurious effects resulting from an improper treatment of the 
mange : 

" For the mange in five cows of Mr. Hatchett, a man, vul- 
garly called a beast-leech, or cow-doctor, applied a j^reparation 
containing tobacco and corrosive sublimate. In the course of 
one hour and a quarter they all died, preceded by convulsions. 
The facts were proved, on an action against this doctor, to the 
satisfaction of the jury, who awarded the damages. An experi- 
ment has been subsequently made by an intelligent medical prac- 
titioner, on the diseases of dogs, in which six grains of shag 
tobacco, infused m about one drachm of water, being applied to 
the skin of a dog, presently killed the animal. It is, however, 
well known that dogs are very commonly washed with tobacco 
water for the mange, without poisoning them ; but I have known 
it occasion long continued nausea, vomiting, purging, and dis- 
charge of urine. Probably, however, it requires a concentrated 
solution of tobacco to prove destructive to life. The same 
observation is made on the effects of corrosive sublimate and 
tobacco, in the case of Mr. Hatchett's cows. Probably, too, 
these applications may occasionally have produced death, but 
the cases were unnoticed. It is also questionable, whether the 
tobacco or corrosive sublimate poisoned the cows, or the two 
conjointly. Tobacco does not kill horses, for it is very com- 
monly eaten with corn, to increase the appetite ; nor do very 
large doses of corrosive sublimate, taken internally, poison 
them." 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 461 



DYSENTERY. 



Causes. — This disorder commonly arises from suppressed per- 
spiration, induced by exposure to sudden changes of weather, 
especially when it has been previously fine and warm. Cattle 
that are overheated by driving, and turned into a pasture at 
night, where they lie down upon wet grass, are sometimes attacked 
by it. These causes produce the complaint, by occasioning a 
peculiar inflammation of some parts of the bowels. 

Symptoms. — This complaint is accompanied by an inflamma- 
tory fever and griping pains, and is sometimes termed the bloody 
ray. The discharge of dung is frequent, emitting an offensive 
smell, and is often mixed with the mucus, or natural lining of 
the bowels. It is very similar to the disease of horses called 
molten grease. 

Cure. — Copious bleeding should first be applied, and a pint of 
castor oil be taken afterwards. Should the animal not appear 
relieved, in some degree, in six hours, the pulse remaining quick, 
and the under surface of the eyelid particularly red, the bleeding 
must be repeated. After the symptoms have been subdued, the 
animal will be very weak; and consequently, every exertion 
must be used to support its strength. For this purpose, oat- 
meal gruel, or gruel made with wheaten flour, and malt mashes, 
may be given freely. Should the discharge be considerable, 
bleeding would be injurious ; the castor oil, however, is com- 
monly necessary ; and, if it cannot be easily procured, sweet oil 
or melted lard should be substituted. Gruel formed of arrow 
root, is an excellent drink in this complaint. If the disease 
should still continue, half an ounce, or six drachms of tincture 
of opium may be given in arrow root gruel. 

If calves are improperly managed at the time of weaning, 
they are liable to a severe diarrhoea, which, if not attended to, 
very frequently proves dangerous. Flour milk gruel, with a 
little prepared chalk, is the best remedy for this complaint ; a 
drachm of ginger, and from half a drachm to a drachm of tinc- 
ture of opium, may be added in very obstinate cases. 

THE FOULS. 

This complaint in cattle is somewhat similar to canker in the 
horse, and generally produces a discharge of fetid matter from be- 



462 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

tween the claws of the hoof, or occasionally from one claw only, 
in which cases, cattle are commonly said to be foul in the foot. 
This disease is usually distinguished amongst graziers by the 
names of the soft, and the horny foul, and requires different 
modes of treatment. In the soft fouls, there is a running of 
very offensive matter from the heels, or between the claws of 
the hoof, and the animal is exceeding lame. In this case, the 
treatment consists in cutting away all the soft and spongy parts, 
and afterwards applying a caustic liquid. The parts should then 
be covered with a little mild ointment ; or, (as farmers frequently 
do,) wrap a piece of fat bacon around the part, tie it on the foot, 
and let it remain for two or three clays. In the meantime, the 
animal should stand very clean, and be allowed as much rest as 
possible. 

In the horny fouls, the animal appears very lame, and, on an 
examination of the foot, the hoof feels very hot, and, on pressing 
it hard, the animal feels considerable pain. Some part of the 
horn generally penetrates into the softer parts of the foot, either 
at the heel, or between the hoofs. In undertaking the cure, it 
will be requisite to cut away these parts of the horn, as well as 
any other part under which much inflammation is apparent. If 
it should be necessary to cast the animal, particular care should 
be taken in selecting a soft place for the purpose of throwing 
him on. When the hoof is pared away, a rag moistened with 
vinegar and water, should be tied on, and the animal sent to 
graze on some soft ground. Should the inflammation and pain 
be very great, it may probably be requisite to bleed from the 
veins of the foot. 

COWS PREVIOUS TO CALVING. 

"The diseases," observes Mr. White, "which most commonly 
occur at this time, are stranguary, or difficulty in voiding urine, 
and costiveness ; and these it is highly necessary to attend to, as 
they may, if neglected, be the cause of the cow slipping her 
calf. The stranguary is readily known to exist, by the cow 
making frequent attemps to stale, without being able to void 
any urine, or only-a small quantity. When it is accompanied by 
costiveness, which is generally the case, and is often the cause of 
the complaint, the bowels must be opened -by a laxative, com- 
posed of a pound of Epsom salts, dissolved in a quart of gruel; 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 463 

a clyster should also be given, consisting of two quarts of warm 
water, and four ounces of linseed oik The clyster may be 
repeated two or three times in the course of two hours, should 
it be found necessary. Should the stranguary continue after the 
bowels have emptied, give the following drink : 

Spirit of nitrous ether, ..... half an ounce, 

Camphor, powdered, .... .2 drachms, 

Tincture of opium, ...... half an ounce, 

Gruel, in which one ounce of nitre has been dissolved, 1 pint. 
Mix. 

" Many cows have been lost, by allowing them to be too fat 
at the time of calving : they are then said to die of the milk 
fever, which, in fact, is nothing more than inflammation of the 
uterus, or womb. It is advisable, therefore, when a cow, far 
gone with calf, is in too good condition, to reduce her, by chang- 
ing her pasture, which is preferable to bleeding or physic ; but if 
she has approached too near her time to admit of this change 
having any effect, then bleeding will be proper." 

COWS AT CALVING. 

Nature is, in general, all-sufficient for the purpose of producing 
the young of the various domestic animals, and consequently, 
little is left for man to do, except in taking care that the females 
be placed in such a situation that they may not expose themselves 
or their young to injury. It is always requisite that a cow, which 
is near the time of calving, should be attended to, in order that 
every necessary assistence may be rendered. 

Some cows, especially those of the short-horned breed, frequently 
require particular assistance. The natural presentation of the 
calf is, with its head and fore feet, the nose between the feet, and 
the back upwards. Downing enumerates several preternatural 
positions, namely : First, reverse presentation, or tail first. 
Second, fore feet, no head appearing. Third, side belly upwards, 
head reversed over one shoulder, legs appearing. Fourth, fore 
feet with head under the brisket. Fifth, head alone, or one 
fore leg only with it. Sixth, head and one leg, or head alone. 
Seventh, calf lying on its back, its fore legs folded nearly together, 
and close up to the cow's back ; the head appearing, or doubled 
back, even with the ribs, on one side or other; the hind leg 
perhaps appearing. 



464 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

The following general rules are extracted from an excellent 
work by Mr. Lawrence: 

" Timely assistance before the cow is exhausted. 

" Extraction never to be attempted in an improper position. 

" Supple the hand and arm with warm water and fresh lard. 

" Examination best made, the cow standing, and in the inter- 
val of pains. 

" In pulling at the feet, enclose the claw in the hand, that the 
horn may not bruise the cow. 

" Naval strings bursting, and the usual flux of blood of no 
consequence. 

" Instruments to be used only in the last resort, and by an 
experienced and steady person only. 

" The proper hook is of hard iron, four inches long, with a 
loop for the cord at the straight end. 

" In a natural position, if the cow should want help, the posi- 
tion of the calf may be ascertained after the waters have been 
seen. A cord ought to be in readiness to attach to the fore legs 
of the calf, in order to assist each natural exertion. The head 
to be kept clear from obstruction. 

"Preternatural position. No. 1. as above. No attempt to 
turn the calf (this position being favorable for extraction), but 
use expedition, for fear it be suffocated. Press the haunches 
back with the palm of the hand, take hold of the bend of the 
hough of one leg, pull at it, and reach the foot; both feet may 
thus be brought forth. No. 2. Reduce the head to its proper 
situation, between the fore legs, either by hold of the nose, or 
the face bone. A long arm is needful, which must be kept to 
the full extent of the body, that instant advantage may be taken 
of every throe, the fingers being properly fixed. No. 3. Gently 
move the calf back, and bring the head forth to the legs. No. 4. 
Push the calf back to find the head; pull at the nose; this 
requires address, but it is useless to employ force till the head be 
in its proper place. No. 5 and 6. Push the calf back against 
the shoulders and brisket : the feet will be found folded under the 
belly; bring the feet forward, one at a time, the hand being 
gently placed on the bend of the knee. Should the head be too 
much swelled and bruised to be returned, it must be skinned and 
amputated. Dissect in a straight line from the poll to the nose, 
force the skin back over the first joint of the neck, divide the 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 465 

head from the body, pushing the latter back to obtain hold of the 
knees. The loose skin must be previously wrapped over the 
ragged bone, and an assistant should have fast hold, in order to 
guide it clear of the haunch-bone of the cow; should it hitch 
there, pull back instantly. No. 7. If one hind leg appear, put 
it back ; the calf cannot be brought forth with a hinder and fore 
leg together, and the difference between the knee and hough 
will be immediately discovered. The head being doubled back, 
must of course be reduced to its proper place. The cow being 
strong and quiet, the business may be effected with care and 
patience : and should the hook be positively necessary, hold 
must be taken, either in the sockets of the eyes, cavity of the 
ears, or in the jaw. The case of dropsy in the- calf will be suf- 
ficiently apparent by its preternatural size ; use the knife care- 
fully, should that be necessary, to pierce the belly of the calf." 

A recent author observes : " When every other plan has failed 
for turning the calf, so as to put it into a favorable position for 
delivery, the following has often succeeded. Let the cow be 
thrown down, in a proper situation, and placed on her back • 
then, by means of a rope and pnlly attached to a beam above, 
let the hind parts be raised up, so as to be considerably higher 
than the fore parts ; in this position, the calf may be easily put 
back towards the bottom of the uterus, so as to admit of being 
turned, or his head and fore legs brought forward without 
difficulty." 

A very material obstruction frequently occurs to the calving 
of cows, which is called a horning of the lye or calf-bed, when 
the passage of it is contracted into such a very small circumfer- 
ence, as not to admit the smallest hand at the period of gesta- 
tion, and grows so sinewy or horned, as renders it quite impossi- 
ble for the cow to calve without assistance ; many cattle have 
perished on account of this dangerous inconvenience which might 
have easily been prevented. But so little has been hitherto 
known of many of the diseases peculiar to cattle, that a simple 
remedy or operation might have saved very great numbers which 
have fallen victims to an untimely death. 

In the case before observed, a late writer remarks: "It must 

take a considerable time before it is contracted as it is often found ; 

but no suspicion or dread can reasonably take place, until near 

the time when the beast has arrived at the end of nine months, 

20* 



466 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

her full time of bearing young, when they generally make a regu- 
lar preparation, or falling of the parts of generation, for a few 
days or week before calving; but in case of this hornedness of the 
calf-bed, it is observed that they are backward in making these 
necessary alterations preparatory to the approaching change ; 
and when this is noticed, more than usual observation ought to 
be taken, for when they do not prepare in a regular manner, they 
seldom have the efforts of nature in due course, for the delivery 
of their burden. But when the beast is observed sick for calv- 
ing, and has reached the end of her time, and any dread of this 
is apprehended, there is no danger or impropriety in searching 
with the hand, in order to be satisfied whether that part is open 
or grown up, as previously described ; yet the greatest care is 
necessary that, the enquiry be made with judgment, and the hand 
that is introduced must be well lathered with soap and water, or 
greased with tallow, fresh butter, or some such thing, that will 
not cause irritation in the neck of the womb. 

"Now if it be found in the state described, in any degree, and 
a certainty of the beast being at its full time, with the common 
sickness and symptoms for calving, no time should be lost until 
the animal be relieved. The difficulty greatly depends on know- 
ing to what degree it is grown up ; it is sometimes so straight as 
not to admit the end of a finger; but with some exertion, it may 
give so much way as that a small knife may be introduced, whose 
blade should not be above an inch and a half in length, and very 
sharp, with a hollow on the back part of the point for the end of 
the forefinger, to guide the knife when cutting, and to cover the 
point and edge when introduced, which must be covered as much 
as possible with the hand. Its handle ought to be short, and 
the forefinger of the operator should always be kept forward on 
the knife, to prevent any danger that might arise from the edge 
of it. The horny circle is sometimes so hard and gristly, that it 
takes more exertion than may have been expected from the 
nature of the place : but as soon as it is cut through, the beast 
will find a very material difference, and strive to void her burthen 
if possible, when every exertion of art ought to be used for her 
relief. When the business is happily over, the wounded parts 
within must be taken care of by providing one pint of rectified 
spirits of wine, camphorated, to anoint the wound, and any other 
part which may have been exposed to the air, bruised, or over- 
distended. This may be conveyed up the neck of the womb by 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 467 

a syringe, sponge, or linen rag filled with it, and carried thither 
by a small hand, well fomented with some of the foregoing arti- 
cles for that purpose. Let the beast be kept moderately warm, 
and in a comfortable situation, allowing her at all times a plenti- 
ful supply of good, dry and sweet litter." 

This method of management in preternatural contractions of 
the passage, is recommended by Mr. Rowlin ; but much will, 
of course, depend, ki every case, on the judicious observations 
of experienced judges. 

THE CESAREAN OPERATION, 

Which is that wherein it is impossible to deliver the cow of 
her calf, and save her life, and thus lose cow and calf together, 
is sometimes resorted to to save the calf, if of great value. It is 
simply that of cutting open the belly of the cow, and taking the 
calf from the womb while the cow still lives, and immediately 
afterwards killing her as if for common slaughter. The opera- 
tion is a most repulsive, not to say a cruel one, but the pain is 
short, and sometimes the operation valuable in results. We 
have seen, in this country, a valuable blooded calf which was so 
saved at birth, but it has only been resorted to under the most 
desperate circumstances. Youatt twice attempted a thing of 
the kind, and was unsuccessful in saving the life of either cow 
or calf in both cases, as he states it; and he had heard of only 
one successful case of the kind by another surgeon. Our own 
flock master has saved several lambs by that operation, where, 
if neglected, both ewe and lamb would have been lost. The 
ewes died, of course, but the lambs grew up to fine healthy sheep. 
A case of this kind with cows, seldom occurs, and it is only men- 
tioned here as among the possibilities. — L. F. A. 

SWELLING OF THE UDDER. 

Cows are generally attacked by this complaint about the period 
of calving, and the swelling is sometimes so considerable as to 
cause an abscess to form. Immediately it is perceived, take a 
pound of Epson salts, dissolved in a quart of gruel, to which a 
little castor or linseed oil may be added. The swollen udder 



468 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

should be often fomented with a decoction of mallows, elder, or 
hemlock, bj means of large woolen cloths dipped in the hot 
decoction, and, after wringing, applied in such a manner as to 
cover the whole udder; this process should be continued for a 
considerable time, and repeated several times each day.* After 
the inflammation has been removed, a slight degree of hard 
swelling may remain ; this, however, is not painful : and the fol- 
lowing liniment rubbed on the part once or twice a day, will 
soon disperse it: 

Liquor of ammonia, ..... half an ounce, 

Linseed oil, ...... 4 ounces and a half, 

Oil of turpentine, . . . . .1 ounce. 

Mixed. 

Inflammation of the udder will sometimes happen in conse- 
quence of the animal receiving cold; in this case, the coat stares, 
the appetite is diminished, the breathing is quickened, and some 
degree of fever is apparent. The following warm laxative may 
afterwards be applied: 

Common salt, . . . . . . 6 to 8 ounces, 

Flour of mustard, ..... 1 ounce, 

Oil, or lard, . . . . . . .6 ounces, 

Whey, or water, ...... 1 quart. 

Mixed. 

The animal should not be exposed to the weather, but fed 
with warm mashes of bran or meal; and an ounce of nitre may 
be put into her water morning and evening. 

CHAPS, OR SORE TEATS. 

It occasionally occurs that the udders of cows are chafed by 
rubbing against their thighs when they are cat-hammed and 
go close behind ; in consequence of which, both the udder and 
thighs of the cow are frequently raw and ulcerated. Warm 
water and soap applied to the parts, will be found an excellent 
remedy ; afterwards they may often be bathed with lard or cream, 
and camphorated spirits mixed. 

On account of due cleanliness not being exercised by the milk- 
ers, the teats of cows are frequently chapped. A similar treat- 
ment as the above will also prove salutary in this case. But 
should they be very sore, a little laudanum may be first applied 
to the cracks, and they may be afterwards filled up with fine 
powdered chalk. 

* See water treatment of garget, page 436.— L. F. A. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 4 (ID 

When a slight inflammation of the udder occurs, and matter 
is collected, the lowest part containing the matter should be 
opened, in order that the matter may run off freely. After this 
has been performed, the part should be syringed with warm 
water, and kept clean, and no matter allowed to lodge in the 
cavity. An opening may be made in the side of the teat, a lit- 
tle above its extremity, for the purpose of quitting the matter 
entirely, or in the orifice through which the milk is squeezed out. 
Should it not heal sufficiently quick, a mixture of spirit and 
water, or a solution of white vitriol, may be injected. 

GRIPES, OR COLIC 

Causes. — Though this disorder will sometimes occur when the 
bowels are in a regular state, it is commonly produced by cos- 
tiveness, or a retention of food in the third stomach. Those cows 
that are kept entirely on dry food, or fed upon grains, are most 
subject to this complaint. The flatulent colic comes on rather 
suddenly, when it is occasioned by feeding greedily upon fresh, 
succulent grass, or by drinking too much cold water when over- 
heated; but the attack is generally more gradual when it is 
caused by costiveness. 

Symptoms. — Young cattle are most liable to the colic. Its 
first appearance is denoted by the peculiar restlessness of the 
animal, which will frequently lie down and groan, or strike with 
the hind feet or horns against the belly. The body is also swollen, 
which is particularly apparent on the left side, but the pulse is 
usually in its natural state. The pain becomes more violent if 
proper remedies are not soon applied ; and ultimately inflamma- 
tion will ensue ; in which case the pulse becomes exceedingly 
quick, and the horns, ears and feet, cold ; when this occurs, the 
disease generally has a fatal termination. 

Cure. — Purging medicines, combined with aromatics or stimu- 
iants, are the most essential remedy, when the colic originates in 
costiveness. The following will be found an excellent medicine 
for this purpose : 

Powdered ginger, ...... half an ounce, 

Barbadoes aloes, ...... half an ounce, 

Carbonate of potash, ...... 3 drachms, 

Linseed oil, ...... 8 ounces, 

Oil of turpentine, . . . . . .1 ounce, 

Water 1 pint. 

Mixed for one dose. 



470 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

If the above medicine cannot speedily be procured, the fol- 
lowing may be substituted for it : 

Flour of mustard, . . . . . .1 ounce, 

Common salt, ...... half a pound, 

Linseed oil, sweet oil, or any oil that is not very rancid, or 
even hog's lard, ...... half a pound, 

Water, ....... 1 quart 

A glass of spirits may be added to the above. 

Should the animal be in good condition, or the inner surface 
of the eyelid appear unusually red, she should be copiously bled ; 
but should the complaint be attended with looseness, or the bow- 
els be in an irregular state, especially if the inner surface of the 
eyelid be pale, and the animal appears somewhat weak, no blood 
should be taken, but the following carminative drink may be 
given : 

Tincture of opium, ... . 6 drachms, 

Spirit of nitrous ether, ..... 2 ounces, 

Oil of turpentine, . ... 1 ounce, 

Water, ....... 1 pint. 

Mixed for 1 dose. 

Should the purging drink be found necessary, clysters may be 
applied for the purpose of promoting its operation. When the 
colic is produced by feeding greedily upon grains, or any other 
kind of food, the cow must be fed cautiously for several days 
after, and have the following stomachic drink administered once or 
twice a day, in order that the tone or energy of the stomach may 
be restored : 

Carbonate of ammonia, . . . . .2 drachms, 

Powdered gentian, . .... 1 ounce, 

Powdered ginger, ...... half an ounce, 

Infusion of camomile flowers, .... 1 pint. 

Mixed for one dose. 

When the colic is caused by costiveness, or feeding upon dry 
food, the state of the bowels should be attended to, as soon as 
the animal has been relieved by the operation of the purgative 
drink. Should the animal not have a change of diet, some salt 
must be mixed with the food ; or, if the animal will not eat it, 
she should be drenched with three or four ounces of salt, dis- 
solved in water, daily, in order that her bowels may be slightly 
opened, and her appetite for water increased. 

[Note — This disorder is probably the equivalent to colic 
in horses. An intelligent physician assured us that he had cured 
several horses of violent attacks, by simply giving them a dose 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 471 

of powdered charcoal and fine salt — say half a pint of salt to 
three gills of coal, diluted with lard, or butter mixed, or even 
in water, so that the animal could swallow it. Why may it not 
be equally efficacious with cattle ? — L. F. A.] 

CHOKING. 

Various causes may contribute to occasion a difficulty of swal- 
lowing; either from the morsel attempted to be swallowed being 
too large, or from the unusual narrowness of the gullet. The 
former frequently occurs to cattle that are fed upon turnips or 
potatoes ; and the choking thus produced is so dangerous as to 
cause the animal's death, if the obstruction is not speedily 
removed.* 

Mr. Alexander, an ingenious farmer in Tweeddale, invented 
a very useful instrument for the purpose of removing the obstruc- 
tion. It is described as follows : 

" Take three small canes, (rattan or whalebone,) of the thick- 
ness of the little finger, or thereabouts, of the length of five feet 
and a half, that they may reach down the throat, and into the 
stomach of the largest ox. These canes are to be bound together 
by strong smooth twine rolled tightly about them, (the circles of 
twine touching each other,) from top to bottom. Beeswax is 
then to be rubbed along the twine, to fill up any inequalities, and 
the whole rod is to be well oiled before it is used. There is a 
round knob at each end ; the larger two inches and a half in 
diameter for larger cattle, the other less for lesser cattle. These 
knobs are formed of the twine roled hard, and when formed, 
may be strengthened in their position, by being sewed by means 
of a shoemaker's awl, and a waxed bristled thread, such as they 
employ. The thread knobs are made tapering up the canes 
from their broad extremity ; but it must be remarked, that the 
surface of this extremity is not rounded like a clue, but hollowed 
into the form of a cup. The intention of this hollowed form is, 
to make certain of catching hold of the obstructing body ; as, if 
the knob was round, it might pass by it. After the knobs are 
formed, they are covered with soft leather, which, by its flexi- 
bility, will adapt itself to the hollow end of the knob as soon as 

* The better way is to avoid any such choking by always cutting the roots, or 
apples fed to the cattle, in small pieces. — L. F. A. 



472 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

it reaches an obstacle. The knobs must be securely fixed to the 
canes, for if they fall off, they leave an indigestible substance in 
the stomach." The above constitutes Mr. Alexander's probang, 
the only obvious improvement on which, says a recent writer, 
" is to make the knobs of sponge, firmly fastened to the canes, 
by passing twine through holes bored in them, and adding to 
each end two or three bights of twine, for the purpose of catch- 
ing hold of any obstacle, thus making the instrument almost 
exactly like a surgeon's probang. The sponge is preferable to 
the twine, as it will not be liable to injure the animal's throat by 
its hardness, will adapt itself more readily to any form of the 
obstacle, and may be more firmly fixed in the canes." 

[Note. — A common whip stock nearly an inch in diameter, or 
pliable tough willow, may answer, of the size of the three small 
canes above mentioned. — L. F. A.] 

PUERPERAL, OR MILK FEVER. 

Causes. — This is a disease peculiar to cows in high condition 
at the time of calving ; whether young or old, all are liable to 
be attacked with it. Whenever it takes place, either at home 
or in the field, it is distressing to the animal, as well as trouble- 
some to the owner : they seldom are able to rise in less than two 
or three days after. The puerperal, or milk fever, is most fre- 
quent during the hot weather of summer. The cows most liable 
to be attacked with this fever, have large udders that are full 
of milk for several days before calving, and often very much 
inflamed and swelled. It is a very dangerous disease when 
severe, and often proves fatal even under the most judicious 
treatment. The milk fever most commonly attacks the cow 
about the second or third day after calving. We have remarked 
above, that those cows which are in high condition at the time 
of calving, are the most subject to this complaint; however, it 
sometimes attacks lean cows, especially if they are deep milkers. 
We conceive its immediate cause to be an inflammatory state of 
the udder, which is frequently induced by the animal taking 
cold, and from a redundancy of blood in the system. About the 
second or third day after calving, a much greater quantity of 
blood than usual is determined to the udder for the purpose of 
the secretion of milk, but when the udder is inflamed, this act 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 473 

does not take place, and the blood is in consequence transferred 
to some other part or parts, as the peritonium, the bowels, kid- 
neys, &c, which deranges the whole animal frame and produces 
the milk fever. 

Symptoms. — This disease is first perceived by the animal 
refraining from food, and looking dull and heavy. A cold shiver- 
ing fit comes on, accompanied with so much debility that the 
beast commonly drops, and is unable to rise, until she obtains 
some relief from medicine. The animal becomes very restless, 
and appears to experience great pain in the body, as she often 
looks towards the flanks, and kicks with her feet, and seems 
very much distressed. The head, as the disease proceeds, is in 
general so severely affected that the cow loses her senses, and 
will knock and bruise her head against anything, and do herself 
much injury, if great care is not taken. The pulse is quick, 
being about seventy in a minute ; and the tongue parching dry. 
The bowels are costive ; there is no secretion of milk ; and the 
slimy discharge from the barren ceases. As the disease advances, 
the belly becomes enlarged ; if purging medicines lessen the 
swelling of the body, it is a good sign ; but if they are made 
use of, and the belly still increases in size, there are little hopes 
of her recovery. 

Cure. — If the feverish symptoms run high, attended with much 
pain, it will be proper to take three or four quarts of blood.* A 
purging drink should always be administered as early as possible. 
The following is highly recommended by some practitioners : 

Nitre, . . . . . . . . .2 ounces, 

Ginger, powdered, ...... 1 ounce, 

Epsom salts, ........ 1 pound, 

Aniseseeds, powdered, ..... 1 ounce, 

Treacle, ........ 4 ounces. 

Pour three pints of boiling water upon the ingredients, and let them be given 
when new milk warm. 

This drink must be repeated in the space of eighteen or twenty 
hours, if it does not operate before that time. If the bowels are 
moved with difficulty, the following clyster may be injected — 
having racked the animal previously : 

Common salt, ....... half a pound, 

Treacle, ....... 4 ounces, 

Spirits of turpentine, ...... half a pint. 

Thin gruel, ....... 3 quarts. 

Mixed, and when new milk warm, it must be injected or forced up the anus. 

*See this disease, pages 437-8.— L. F. A. 



. half an ounce, 

1 ounce, 
. half an ounce, 

2 ounces, 
. half an ounce, 

4 table spoonfuls, 
. 2 ounces, 
2 ounces, 
to which may be added a wine-glass of 



474 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

This clyster will promote the evacuation of faeces, and tend to 
remove the swelling of the belly. 

When the bowels have been opened, and the animal stili 
appears low and unable to rise, it will be requisite that the fol- 
lowing cordial drink should be administered: 

Salt of tartar, 

Oil of turpentine, .... 
Ginger, powdered, ... 
Flour of mustard, . . 

Grains of paradise, powdered, 
Treacle, .... 
Caraway seeds, powdered, . 
Aniseeds, powdered, 
Mixed and given in a quart of warm gruel 
gin or brandy. 

This drink will tend to invigorate the system, and promote the 
secretion of milk. It may be repeated once a day, or every 
other day, for three or four times. Should the bowels be inclined 
to be bound any time during the complaint, recourse to a purging 
drink should be had immediately. 

Cows afflicted with the milk fever should be taken great care of, 
and be well nursed. It is requisite that the stall where they lie 
should be well littered ; and it is frequently necessary that, when 
they are cold and shivering, they should be covered with a blanket 
or some other warm clothing. To assist in subduing the inflam- 
mation of the udder, it should be rubbed two or three times a 
day, about half an hour each time, with soft soap, or pipe-clay, 
and cold spring water. 

To solicit the flow of milk, the paps should be drawn occasion- 
ally; it is a good sign when the milk begins to be secreted. As 
they are frequently unable to take a sufficient quantity of sup- 
port themselves, it becomes necessary to horn some nutritious 
food into them. Good gruel is well adapted for this purpose, 
and two or three quarts should be given three or four times a 
day. Linseed porridge, sweetened with treacle, is also proper to 
be given at this time. The beast must be constantly attended 
to when the head is much affected, otherwise she may do herself 
some serious injury. 

THE GAD-FLY. 

The gad-fly is an insect which is very troublesome to cattle. 
Mr. Bracey Clarke has accurately described the various species of 
these insects, and their effects. The species called Oe bovis, chiefly 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 475 

attacks cattle, through the skins of which it pierces, to deposit 
its eggs. The pain which it inflicts, in depositing its eggs, appears 
to be much more severe than what is excited by any of the other 
species. When one of the cattle is attacked by this fly, it is 
easily known by the extreme terror and agitation that seizes the 
whole herd. The unfortunate object of attack runs bellowing 
from among his fellows, to some distant part of the pasture, or 
to the nearest water, holding his tail, from the severity of the 
pain, extended straight from the body, in a line with his back, 
with a tremulous motion, and stretching out his head and neck 
to the utmost. The rest of the herd, infected with the like fear, 
though not attacked, fly also to the water, or disperse to the 
different parts of the pasture. " Such is the dread and appre- 
hension in the cattle, for this fly," says Mr. Clarke, " that I have 
seen one of them meet the herd, when almost driven home, and 
turn them back, regardless of the stones, sticks, and noise of the 
drivers; nor could they be stopped till they reached their accus- 
tomed retreat in the water." 

Should one of these flies happen to attack oxen that are 
attached to the plow, there is frequently considerable danger, 
since the animal becomes quite ungovernable, often rushing 
directly forward with the plow, through hedges, or whatever 
opposes his career. 

Steers, heifers, and the younger cattle, are most commonly 
attacked by this fly ; the strongest and most healthy beasts are 
generally selected by it; thus furnishing a very estimable crite- 
rion of goodness to the dealers in cattle. Tanners also have 
frequently observed, that their strongest and best hides have 
usually the greatest number of holes in them. 

The larvae of the Oe. bovis are generally distinguished among 
country people by the various names of wormuls, wormils, or 
warbles. 

The larvae of the Oe. equi are commonly termed bots, and the 
puncture they make, called puckeridge, is often attributed to the 
bite of the goat-sucker. In order to accomplish the destruction 
of the larvae thus deposited, some recommend the parts to be 
pressed, and afterwards well rubbed with a little oil of turpen- 
tine, or some other stimulating application, or the injection of a 
httle oil of turpentine into each hole. 

The following is the usual remedy for cattle bitten by these 
insects : 



476 AMERICAN GATTLE. 

Tar, ......... 2 ounces, 

Hog's lard, ....... 4 ounces. 

Melted together and applied to the bitten parte. 

[Note. — These pests are not much known in America. "We 
have, however, seen instances of them. They are oftentimes 
very troublesome to cattle in England. When in the larvce state, 
they are readily found by running the hand along the back of 
the animal, and may be pushed out of the little puncture through 
the skin, under which they live, by a sharp pressure of the two 
thumb-nails, as one would squeeze a pimple, or other gathering 
near the surface. — L. F. A.] 

lice. 

Those cattle are most subject to lice, which through bad keep 
and poverty, are reduced to a low state, so that Nature is unable 
to cast off her old coat, and consequently an extra harbor is left 
for the vermin to accumulate in. The best method of destroy 
ing those vermin, is by rubbing their hides with an ointment 
composed of cayenne pepper, or Scotch snuff, mixed up with 
hog's lard. 

[Note. — The easiest, and quite an effective remedy, is found 
in any kind of oil, or soft grease, mixed with Scotch snuff — or 
even the oil, or grease alone — well rubbed in. This is our com- 
mon practice, and always a cure. Calves particularly, should 
be watched after weaning, and during their first winter, as they 
are quite apt to get lousy. Indeed, all cattle should be closely 
watched for these vermin, as before one is aware of it they may 
infest an entire herd, 'even if in good flesh. Poverty of condi- 
tion is not always the source of lice in cattle. We have seen 
mercurial ointments recommended for killing lice. They are 
nearly as dangerous to the creature infested, as to the lice. We 
have known valuable animals to die from the use of such oint- 
ments. — L. F. A.]' 

FOG SICKNESS. 

This is a common disease amongst neat cattle, and is attended 
with symptoms of the most distressing nature. It requires speedy 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 477 

relief, or the animal will be suffocated from the confined air in 
the two first stomachs, or a rupture of them takes place, which 
soon terminates the life of the beast. Hoven usually proceeds 
from a voracious and greedy disposition, incident to cattle when 
permitted to satiate their appetite with food of which they are 
most fond ; such as vetches, rich fog, red clover, or different kinds 
of grasses; also potatoes, turnips, corn, and sometimes chaff. 

Causes. — The immediate cause of this disease is a preternatu- 
ral distension of the two first stomachs from confined air. It is, 
as before mentioned, in general, occasioned by the animal feeding 
for a considerable time upon rich, succulent food, so that the first 
stomach, or paunch, becomes overcharged, and they, through 
their greediness to eat, forget to lie down to ruminate or chew 
their cud. A fermentation of the food in the paunch takes place, 
and a considerable quantity 'of air is consequently generated, 
which so distends the first two stomachs, that by their pressing 
against the skirt or midriff the capacity of the lungs for air is 
diminished, which causes the difficulty of breathing, and soffoea- 
tion is sometimes produced. This complaint may be occasioned 
by turning cattle into fresh aftermath pastures, in autumn ; at, 
which time the grass is changed in quality, and the weather fre- 
quently wet or foggy, and then is called fog sickness. 

Symptoms. — This complaint is well known to most cattle 
keepers. The wind generated in the stomach causes the beast 
to swell, and a difficulty of breathing produced, with much 
apparent distress. If relief is not soon obtained, the difficulty 
of breathing increases, and the animal is unable to stand, and 
generally dies suffocated. 

Cure. — When the beast is hoven or blown by eating too much 
succulent grass, Mr. Clater recommends the following, as effica- 
cious m checking the fermentation in the first stomach : 

Salt of tartar, . . . . , . .3 ounces, 

Epsom salts, ....... 1 pound, 

Ginger, powdered, . . . . . . .2 ounces, 

Aniseseeds, powdered, ..... 2 ounces. 

These ingredients may be placed in a pitcher, and three quarts 
of boiling water poured upon them. When they are new milk 
warm, add a wineglassful of gin and give the whole for one 
drink. 

Dr. Monro, Sr., of Edinburgh, in the year 1793, contrived 
an elastic tube, that might be introduced down the throat into 



47S AMERICAN CATTLE. 

the stomach of the animal, and thus speedily and effectually 
evacuate the air. The tube is to be composed of iron wire, as 
large as a common stocking wire, or about one sixteenth part of 
an inch in diameter, twisted round a smooth iron rod, three- 
eighths of an inch in diameter, in order to give it a cylindrical 
form ; and after taking off the rod, it is to be covered with smooth 
leather. 

To the ena of the tube which is intended to be passed into 
the stomach, a brass pipe, two inches long, of the same size as 
the tube, and pierced with a number of large holes, must be 
firmly connected. 

In order that the tube may be prevented from bending too 
much within the gullet, at the time of passing it down into the 
stomach, an iron wire, one-eighth of an inch in diameter, and of 
the same length as the tube, is put within it, which is to be with- 
drawn when the tube has entered the stomach. 

He has ascertained that the space from the fore teeth of the 
under jaw, to the bottom of the first stomach of a large ox, 
measures about six feet, and he has passed such a tube, five feet 
and nine inches long, into the gullet and stomach of a living ox. 
The tube ought therefore to be six feet in length, or rather 
longer, that it may be sure of answering in the largest ox. 

After the tube has passed into the stomach, it may be allowed 
to remain for any length of time ; as when it is pressed to one 
side of the throat, it does not intercept the breathing of the ani- 
mal. The greatest part of the elastic and condensed fixed air 
will be readily discharged through the tube ; and if it be thought 
necessary, the remainder of it, or the superfluous drink, may be 
sucked out by a bellows fixed to the upper end of the tube, with 
two valves, one at its muzzle, and the other at the side of it, so 
disposed as to allow the air to pass in the direction from the 
stomach upwards. 

By means of such a tube, the air is not only more certainly 
discharged than by stabbing the animal, but the dangers avoided 
which are occasioned by stabbing, not so much by the irritation 
which the wound creates, as that the air, and the other contents 
of the stomach, getting into the cavity of the belly, between the 
containing parts and the bowels, excite such a degree of inflam- 
mation as frequently proves fatal to the animal. This tube will 
also be found useful for the purpose of introducing into the stom- 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 479 

ach, stimulating medicines, when the contraction at the upper 
orifice would prevent their being given without some similar 
contrivance. 

Mr. Blaine has somewhat improved this mode of relief, by the 
invention of an instrument, for which he was rewarded by the 
London Society for the Encouragement of Arts, with fifty 
guineas. This is simply a cane, six feet in length, and consider- 
able diameter, for oxen, to which a knob of wood is affixed at 
the end, to be introduced into the stomach. He also invented a 
contrivance for sheep, which is considerably smaller, and only 
three feet in length. This instrument is much preferable on 
account of its simplicity, and is found to occasion the evacuation 
of the air as effectual as the other. In cases of emergency, the 
flexible part of a common cart whip might, no doubt answer the 
purpose, if applied by a judicious hand. 

In performing this operation, an assistant is to lay hold of the 
cow's horns with one hand, and the part which divides the nos- 
trils with the other. The operator is to take the tongue in the 
left hand, and with his right he is to force the instrument down 
the gullet. A great quantity of air will rush out as soon as it 
enters the paunch. The instrument may remain in the stomach 
until the air is fully evacuated, without injuring the animal. 

Any person unaccustomed to handle cattle would feel some 
difficulty in using the above instruments, but if the part which 
divides the nostrils be grasped firmly with the right hand, and 
the horn be held firmly with the left, the cow will, in general, 
submit quietly to the operator. 

As soon as the animal has obtained some relief by these 
means, the following drink may be given : 

Spirit ot nitrous ether, . . . . .2 ounces, 

Oil of peppermint, ..... 30 drops, 

Powdered ginger, .*.... half an ounce, 

Warm water, ...... 1 pint. 

Mixed for one dose. 

Or, 

Ginger, ........ 2 drachms, 

Powdered carraways, ..... 1 ounce, 

Warm ale, . . . . . . .1 pint. 

Well mixed together. 

An infusion of camomile flowers, or ginger, is likewise a good 
stomachic in such cases ; and it might probably be much im- 
proved by infusing the ingredients in hot ale instead of water. 



480 AMERICAN CATTLE 

When cattle have experienced a severe attack of this disease, 
the stomach is usually much weakened by it ; and, consequently 
great care is requisite to prevent a return of the complaint ; they 
should be fed rather sparingly, or not be permitted to eat much 
at one time for some days after. One of the above drenches 
may be administered every morning and evening for three or four 
days. 

LOSS OF THE CUD. 

Causes. — Though this disease usually arises from over-feeding 
in rich, succulent pastures; it is, however, sometimes owing to 
the diseased state of the liver. 

Symptoms. — In the early stages of this complaint, the animal 
appears dull and languid, and generally has a tight skin, and a 
rough, unhealthy coat. As the disease advances, the appetite is 
diminished, and ultimately he ceases to chew the cud. The eyes 
and mouth usually appear yellow. 

Cure. — When the liver has become much affected, the disease 
commonly terminates fatally ; a cure should, therefore, be at- 
tempted at an early period. If there be any appearance of cos- 
tiveness, the following warm laxative should be first given : 

Castile soap, . . . . . . .6 drachms, 

Ginger, ....... 3 drachms, 

Barbadoes aloes, . . . . . half an ounce, 

Cascarilla bark, .... .2 drachms, 

Warm water, ...... 1 pint. 

Mixed. 

The bowels, however, are generally in a loose state, and the 
dung has an unhealthy appearence. When this is the case, give 
the following tonic drench, morning and evening, and let the 
animal be kept warm : 

Carbonate of soda, . . . . . .2 drachms, 

Ginger, ....... 3 drachms, 

Cascarilla bark, . . . . . .3 drachms. 

To be given in a pint of ale. 

THE JAUNDICE, OR YELLOWS. 

Causes. — It generally arises from a debilitated state of the 
stomach, which, being distended with food, from slow and difficult 
digestion, particularly the manyfold, press upon the bile ducts, 
and prevent the bile flowing into the intestines. The bile being 
thus obstructed, is taken up by the lymphatic absorbents, and 
conveyed into the circulating mass of blood, and gets diffused 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 481 

throughout the body. Milk cows are the most subject to it in 
the spring, and the latter end of the year, yet they are not 
exempt from it at any other time. The fluctuating state of the 
weather appears frequently to give rise to this complaint ; when 
the weather is very changeable, and they appear not well, great 
care should be taken to place them within doors. 

Symptoms. — This disease is first apparent in the whites of the 
eyes, which appear of a yellow tint, and the whole skin becomes 
impregnated with the same yellow hue as the disease increases ; 
the eyes, ears, mouth and tail, are the parts where it is most con- 
spicuous to the sight. The animals have a weakness and con- 
siderable debility of the nervous system, a want of appetite, and 
an aversion to move, in every stage of this disease. When in 
the pasture, they are continually wandering about by the side 
of the hedges, in a dejected manner, by themselves. When a 
milk cow has this disease, the secretion of milk is lessened, the 
fore teeth sometimes loosen ; and the bowels become costive. 

Cure. — In the early stages of this disorder, the warm laxative, 
directed in the preceding complaint, will generally effect a cure ; 
it may be repeated after an interval of fire or six days, and in 
the interim, the following drink may be given every morning and 
evening • 

Venice turpentine, ...... half an ounce, 

Ginger, ..... 3 drachms, 

Castile soap, .... half an ounce, 

Powdered gentian root, ..... 1 ounce. 

The soap and turpentine may be rubbed together in a mortar, 
till perfectly incorporated ; after which a pint of water may be 
gradually added, and afterwards the gentian and ginger. 

The liver becomes generally much injured in the more advanced 
stages of this disorder, and a cure is then almost impossible. 

A recent author makes the following sensible observations on 
this subject . " In cattle, a vomit of emetic tartar may be tried 
at the first appearance of the disease, as the effort of vomiting 
may assist in promoting the passage of the gall stone. If, how- 
ever, the disease should arise in consequence of previous inflam- 
mation of the liver, vomits will be of no use, and the best rem- 
edies will be mercurial purgatives, with soap. The food should 
consist of succulent and watery substances, especially of fresh 
grass; as it is found that when cattle affected with this disease 
are sent to pasture, they commonly soon recover. Warm mashes 



482 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

of bran or malt should be given frequently, both to obviate cos- 
tiveness, and as being good articles of diet. If the disease 
should continue obstinate, and the use of mercurial medicines 
should be found necessary, the animal must be confined within 
doors during night and bad weather. It will be proper, when- 
ever the weather and other circumstances permit, to give the 
animal regular exercise in the open air; but if necessity obliges 
us to keep him within doors, the whole body, but especially the 
belly, should be well rubbed for a considerable time twice or 
thrice a day. This friction will be proper, even though regular 
exercise can be taken in the open air." 

SNORES. 

A gathering of thick clotted matter sometimes takes place 
within the nostrils, which very much impedes respiration when 
arrived at any height, and produces a snivelling noise when the 
air passes through the nostrils. This affection is termed the 
snores or snivels, and is almost peculiar to cattle. The swelling 
thus caused in the nostrils, usually proceeds to suppuration, and 
when it breaks the animal is relieved. It should, therefore, be 
hastened by the application of warm stimulating fomentations 
or liniments. It is usual to inject the oil of bays up into the 
nostrils ; but probably the steam of warm water would answer, 
and it might be easily applied by placing a warm bran mash into 
a canvas bag, and tying it to the animal's head ; repeating it till 
the imposthume breaks. In the interim, the animal should be 
kept in the house, and fed on good nourishing diet 

COW-POX. 

In the publications issued by Dr. Jenner, who formerly prac- 
ticed at Berkeley, in Gloucestershire, where he had frequent 
opportunities of witnessing this disease amongst the cows, its 
symptoms and origin are ably described : 

"In this dairy country," observes Dr. Jenner, "a great num- 
ber of cows are kept, and the office of milking is performed indis- 
criminately by men and maid servants. One of the former hav- 
ing be.en appointed to apply dressings to the heels of a horse 
affected with the grease, and not paying due attention to clean- 
liness, incautiously bears his part in milking the cows, with some 
particles of the infectious matter adhering to his fingers. When 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 483 

this is the case it commonly happens that the disease "is communi- 
cated to the cows, and from the cows to the dairy-maids, which 
spreads through the farm, until most of the cattle and domestics 
feel its unpleasant consequences. This disease has obtained the 
name of the cow-pox. It appears on the nipples of the cows, in 
the form of irregular pustules. At their first appearance, they 
are commonly of a palish blue, or rather of a color somewhat 
approaching to livid, and are surrounded by an erysipelatous 
inflammation. These pustules, unless a timely remedy be applied, 
frequently degenerate into phagedenic ulcers, which prove ex- 
tremely troublesome. The animal becomes indisposed, and the 
secretion of milk is much lessened." 

Another kind of eruption is sometimes apparent on the udder 
of the cow, which has some resemblance to the cow-pox, and 
may be easily mistaken for it. It consists of a number of white 
blisters on the nipples, and these blisters are filled with a whitish 
serous fluid. They are to be distinguished from the pustules 
that take place in the cow-pox, by their not having the bluish 
color of the latter, and by their never eating into the fleshy parts, 
being confined to the skin, and ending in scabs. This eruption 
is also considered infectious, though not in so high a degree as 
the real cow-pox. 

Dr. Jenner conceives that this spurious eruption is chiefly pro- 
duced by the transition which is made by the cow in the spring 
from a poor diet to one that is more nourishing, by which the 
udder, at this season, becomes more than usually vascular for the 
supply of milk. There is, however, another species of inflam- 
mation and pustules, which is not uncommon amongst the dairy 
counties of the west of England. A cow intended to be offered 
for sale, and possessing naturally only a small udder, is neither 
milked by the milker, nor is her calf suffered to have access to 
her for a day or two previous ; thus the milk is preternaturally 
accumulated ; and the udder and nipples becoming greatly ex- 
tended, inflammation and pustular eruption frequently ensue. 

THE SHOOTE. 

This is the most fatal disease to calves, which it in general 
attacks a few days after their birth. The usual symptoms are 
at first, a colic that is more or less violent, and is frequently very 
dangerous and severe, but more especially when it is contagious. 
The calf is relieved by a discharge from the bowels taking place, 



484 AMERICAN' CATTLE. 

when the colic is terminated ; though this will sometimes prove 
fatal before the shoote makes its appearance: and secondly, a 
refusal, and loathing of food, even prior to the discharge, and 
which will increase and decrease according to the violence and 
duration of the disease. When the shoote prevails, the cheapest, 
and probably the most efficacious medicine which has been in 
general administered by experienced breeders, is eggs and flour 
well mixed with oil, melted butter, and linseed, anise-seeds, or other 
similar mucilaginous vegetables ; or, as some recommend, milk 
well mulled with eggs, may be administered to the distempered 
animal. 

VENOMOUS BITES. 

There are but few venomous animals in this country, compared 
with those that are found in warmer climates, and where they 
often prove fatal both to man and beast. The adder, or viper, is 
most common in this country, and the bite of this reptile is fre- 
quently attended with very dangerous consequences. Neat cat- 
tle are much more liable to be stung by this reptile than any 
other of the domestic animals. Instances have been known to 
have proved fatal, when the tongue of the animal has been 
stung while grazing. Cattle are seldom attacked by adders, 
except they disturb them whilst grazing; and this is the main 
reason why so many are bitten about the head, and sometimes 
about the feet. The sting of the wasp, hornet, or bee, are fre- 
quently attended with considerable pain and inflammation, and 
require a similar treatment as the former. 

Cure. — The following liniment will be found a powerful 
remedy in checking the progress of the poison, and destroying 
it in the part affected : 

Spirits of turpentine, ...... 4 ounces, 

Olive oil, ....... half a pint, 

Strong spirits of hartshorn, ..... 4 ounces. 

Let them be put into a bottle together, and well shaken every 
time before using. 

The part affected must be well rubbed with a sufficient quan- 
tity of this liniment two or three times a day, until the inflam- 
mation and swelling abate. 

WOUNDS. 

Wounds are most commonly produced by cattle goring each 
other with their horns, or by breaking through fences ; and when 
deep or extensive, considerable inflammation usually proceeds. 



DISEAS-ES AND REMEDIES. 485 

The proper treatment of wounds depends on the part where 
they are inflicted, and the instrument that caused them. A clean 
cut made in the muscular parts is soon healed by the early appli- 
cation of slips of sticking plaster, in order that the edges of the 
wound may be kept close together ; or, if plaster cannot be speedily 
applied, a stitch or two may be taken through the edges of the 
wound, and the strings tied gently together. When the edges 
perfectly adhere, the strings must be cut away, and the holes 
caused by them will soon fill up. It is particularly necessary 
that all wounds should be perfectly cleaned before any attempt 
is made to heal them. It will occasionally happen that the 
wound is so situated as not to admit of its being sewed up ; but 
when this occurs, silver or steel pins may generally be passed 
from the edges, about an inch apart from each other, and a 
thread twisted crosswise from one to the other, thus forming 
what is called the twisted suture. In every case where it is 
necessary to use sutures, a sticking plaster should be applied 
over the edges of the wound. But this mode of treatment can 
only be adopted in those superficial wounds where a flap of the 
skin is separated ; and, when this occurs, it is not requisite to 
apply any stimulating fluid, as some writers advise. When 
there is any dirt or other matter collected about the wound, it 
may be washed off with warm water. 

Where the wound is considerable, and important parts are 
affected, the most decisive means should be speedily employed 
to keep down inflammation. Immediately after which, a purga- 
tive, or relaxative drink, should be given, and the parts be 
fomented with a decoction of mallows, hemlock, or elder, until 
the inflammation, if any, subsides. Keep it always washed clean, 
and, if warm weather, the flies away. 

After the inflammation caused by the wound has subsided, it 
should be examined with a probe, in order to ascertain if any 
matter be confined ; as it is sometimes necessary to give it vent 
by enlarging the original wound, or make an opening in another 
more depending situation, that it may run off freely. It may be 
requisite to apply at this period, the following ointment : 

Common turpentine, . . . . . .6 ounces. 

Hog's lard, ....... 8 ounces. 

Beeswax, ........ 1 ounce. 

Melted together. 



486 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

When taken from the fire, one ounce of powdered verdigris 
may be added; and the mixture must be constantly stirred until 
it is cold. 

Should a lotion be preferred, the following stimulating solution 
will be found useful: 

Sublimate, . . . . . . . .12 grains, 

Tincture of myrrh, ...... 2 ounces. 

Mixed. 

One pint of oil of turpentine, to two quarts of sweet oil with 
good digestive. 

In deep wounds, or when the parts are much divided, sewing 
is not advisable. Wounds of the belly, through which the bow- 
els pass out, are very dangerous, and require the most delicate 
management As soon as an accident of this description hap- 
pens, the bowel should be put back into the belly as tenderly as 
possible : and if any dirt, hair, or other matter, be observed upon 
the gut, it must be carefully washed off with warm water. When 
the bowel has been replaced, the wound must be stitched up by 
means of a crooked needle and threads doubled, or small twine 
well waxed (with beeswax) : a roller, or bandage should then 
be applied. The animal must be kept at rest, on an opening diet, 
of grass or bran ; and, if costive, a dose of castor oil should be 
administered. The treatment of the wound is of little conse- 
quence; the principal object being to keep the bowel in its 
proper situation. A considerable quantity of air will occasion- 
ally get into the gut, after it has escaped from the belly, by 
which it is so distended, as to render it very difficult, if not 
impracticable, to replace it through the original wound. Should 
this, on examination, be found to occur, the wound must be 
enlarged, in order to allow the gut to be replaced, which must 
be done in the most cautious manner, the knife being properly 
guarded by the forefinger. 

Should it be thought necessary to stop the bleeding from 
the wound, the most effectual method of doing it, next to that 
of tying the blood vessel, is by placing bolsters of tow or sponge 
to the bleeding part, and supporting it firmly with bandages. If 
the new flesh should rise above the surface, and appear to be 
produced too luxuriantly during the progress of the wound, it 
may easily be checked by sprinkling on the part a little pow- 
dered blue vitriol. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 487 



STRAINS AND BRUISES. 



Bleeding is most advisable whenever these accidents occur in 
a considerable degree, or an important part is injured ; fomenta- 
tions are at first the most proper applications, in consequence of 
inflammation being the common effeot of these injuries: but 
when the inflammation has subsided, the liniment recommended 
in a preceding article, on the swelling of the udder, may be 
rubbed on the part twice or thrice a day. When any part of 
the lknbs is so strained as to occasion lameness, and it continues 
after the above application, a blister should be used. In bruises 
that occur from the pressure of the yoke, or other slight causes, 
the lotion prescribed below will be found of service: 

Goulard's extract, ...... half an ounce, 

Vinegar, ....... 4 ounces, 

Water, . . . . . . . .1 pint. 

Mixed. 

TO DRY A COW OF HER MILK. 

Mr. Clater observes that this is a subject with which every 
gentleman grazier should be well acquainted. lb is frequently 
found necessary to dry cows of their milk at all times of the 
year, in order that they may the better be fed for the shambles. 
Some cows are more difficult to dry than others, by reason of 
their giving too large a quantity of milk, and the gross habits of 
body peculiar to some beasts. 

Without great care and management, these will be liable to 
the downfall, either in the udder or foot; or otherwise it may 
terminate in some inflammatory disease. 

Cows that are apt to milk themselves, are difficult to dry; 
they should, therefore, be dried early m the spring, while on dry 
food. Others may be dried either in the pasture or in any other 
place. Such cows as are in the pasture, give a considerable 
quantity of milk, and are in good condition, ought to be brought 
into a foldyard over night, and from three to four quarts of blood 
taken from them, and the next morning the following drink 
administered : 

Bole armenic, powdered, . . . . . .2 ounces, 

Roach alumn, powdered, (If a large beast, 8 ounces,) . 6 ounces. 

Mix and put them in a pitcher, then pour a pint and a half of 
boiling ale upon the ingredients. Afterwards add one pint of 
good vinegar, and give when new milk warm. 



488 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

The cow must be milked clean at the time the above drink is 
given, and two hours after may be turned into her pasture. 
About four days after, if her udder appears hard and full, let her 
be brought out of the pasture, milked clean, and the drink be 
repeated as before. 

This is generally sufficient to dry any cow of her milk ; but as 
some cows give so much that it renders them very difficult to 
dry, it is therefore frequently found necessary to repeat the drink 
and milking every fourth day, for three or four times, before they 
can be completely dried. 

MURRAIN, OR PUTRID FEVER.* 

Murrain, or pests, are undoubtedly the most serious epidemic 
fevers that ever have appeared among domestic animals, owing 
to their violence and fatality ; they have occasionally raged, from 
the earliest historical accounts. From the several statements 
that have been made concerning the disorder, it seems to have 
varied in its symptoms and effects, according to the countries in 
which it appeared, the various seasons in which its ravages were 
commenced, and some other circumstances not perfectly ascer- 
tained. It is evident that this disease was infectious, since it 
was easily propagated among the species of animals which it 
attacked ; but it is not certain that it has the power of spreading 
to other species ; as men, horses, sheep and dogs, that live in the 
neighborhood of the cattle infected by it, evinced no signs of 
having received the contagion. Nineteen out of twenty cattle 
attacked by this disease are said, by Mr. Savage, to have died. 

Causes. — The causes and nature of this disorder have not 
been precisely ascertained. Some have imagined it to be con- 
nected with a peculiar state of the atmosphere, and that it did not 
originate in contagion. Many consider the principal cause of the 
disease to be previous hard winters, obstructed perspiration, 
worms in the liver, and corrupted food. 

♦This disease is, no doubt, analogous to, or the same as, the Pleuro-pneumonia, 
or, possibly, Rinderpest, hereafter noticed. The disease had not, probably, ap- 
peared of late in England when he wrote, as it has, in a few years since, with such 
fatal violence. It is evident that, personally, Mr. Lowson had little or no experi- 
ence in its treatment. We give his notice of it, however, as valuable in contribut- 
ing somewhat of knowledge concerning it.— L. F. A. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 489 

Symptoms. — The following account of this disease is given by 
Di% Brocklesby. For ten days or a fortnight the cattle were 
troubled with a dry cough, which is indeed not an uncommon 
symptom among cattle at the close of a severe winter, and there- 
fore Dr. Brocklesby did not consider it belonging to the present 
disease ; their eyes looked heavy, and, when the principal disorder 
appeared, they refused fodder, but had an insatiable thirst for a 
time. The milk cows decreased in their milk, which remained 
to a certain quantity, sometimes, for two days, before it changed 
color, but at length often dried up. On ceasing to chew the cud, 
a shivering seized them all over, and a high fever immediately 
came on ; the milk, if any remained at that time, curdled over 
the fire, but did not in the first of the disorder. At first the 
belly was costive, but for the most part a looseness succeeded 
within forty -eight hours after the shivering fit. The stools were 
first green and watery, and of a stinking smell ; their consist- 
ence, however, altered afterwards to a viscid, slimy matter ; the 
purging continued till about the seventh day, and about that time 
the excrements became thicker in such as recovered ; and these 
soon chewed their cud again, and tasted the fodder, which they 
had before absolutely refused through the whole disease. All 
that had not the looseness before the third day died. The urine 
was very high colored, and in smaller quantities. The degree of 
fever was observed very high; upon the third day, the pulse 
beat nearly a hundred times in a minute, whereas the ingenious 
Dr. Hales found a sound ox's artery not to exceed thirty-eight 
pulses in the same time. At different intervals, after the attack, 
they all labored under a prodigious difficulty, and panting for 
breath ; some suffered these after the first day, others not before 
the third. But this disorder suffered remissions, and seemed 
augmented towards evening and at night. Several beasts dis- 
charged, towards the fourth or fifth day, when ill, a very great 
quantity of frothy liquor from the mouth and eyes ; others ran 
actually purulent matter from the nostrils. As the disorder 
advanced, the eyes sunk more in their orbits, and some were 
observed to be quite blind. Towards the conclusion, the fore 
parts of the body, and particularly the glands about the head 
were prodigiously swelled ; and several beasts had a universal 
emphysema, or crackling of air beneath their skin ; those that 
were not blooded equally with such as were. Frequently one 



490 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

might observe pustules break out, on the fifth or sixth days, all 
oven the neck and fore parts. Some cattle were raging mad on 
the first day ; such were necessarily killed : some dropped down 
suddenly ; others died on the third ; most on the sixth or seventh ; 
very few alive on the fourteenth day. Before death, the horns 
and dugs grew remarkably cold. 

Cure. — The method of treating the cattle, recommended by 
Dr. Brocklesby, is as follows : Before the cattle are seized, he 
advises two setons or pegs to be put deep in the dewlap,, and into 
the under part of the neck; and, immediately upon refusing- 
fodder, the beasts should have three quarts of blood taken away ; 
and after twelve hours, two quarts more; after the next twelve 
hours, about three pints may be let out ; and, after the following 
twelve hours, diminish a pint of blood from the quantity taken 
away at the preceding blood-letting ; lastly, about a single pint 
should be taken away in less than twelve hours after the former 
bleeding, so that when the beast has been bled five times, in the 
manner here proposed, the worst symptoms will, it is hoped, 
abate ; but if the difficulty and panting for breath continue very 
great, he sees no reason against repeated bleeding ; or at least 
against taking away the fifth time, instead of a single pint, twice 
that quantity. 

In the meantime, the setons or pegs should be daily promoted 
to suppuration by moving the cord ; and the cattle should have 
as much bran water as they chose to drink lukewarm. This 
should be made a little tart or sourish, either with common vine- 
gar or spirit of vitriol : and immediately after the first bleeding, 
they should have the following drench :* 

Nitre, ....... 1 ounce and a half, 

Honey, ...... 2 ounces, 

Camphor, . . . . . .1 drachm and a half, 

Water gruel, ..... 1 quart. 

It is rather surprising that this same treatment, with a trifling 
variation in the internal medicine, is also recommended by Mr. 
Feron, as the result of his own experience, in what he terms the 
general inflammation of cattle. 

* When the disease has once settled itself in the system, all " drenches," or other 
medicaments are useless — most of all, this everlasting "bleeding," whicfh, if under- 
taken at all by the above directions, had better not stop until the suffering beast is 
relieved— by death. — L. F. A. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 491 

MALIGNANT EPIDEMICS MURRAIN, PLEUROPNEUMONIA, 

RINDERPEST. 

We should hardly mention these terrible diseases, had not our 
attention been recently called to them, by the late devastations 
in the herds of British cattle, within the last two or three years, 
to such extent, that the Congress of the United States, some 
two years ago, by a solemn enactment, prohibited the importa- 
tion of foreign cattle into our country, altogether. That law is 
still in force, and possibly to the salvation of our own domestic 
herds, which might otherwise have been endangered by impor- 
tations, which, of late years, have been frequent. 

This disease, or diseases — for they are all malignant epidem- 
ics — perhaps taking a more extreme type as circumstances may 
govern, but all attended with a terrible fatality, has existed on 
the Eastern Continent, at various times, for some thousands of 
years. Youatt gives an elaborate description of the disease. 
The first we hear of it is in the Bible, (Exodus ix. 3-6,) when 
the cattle of Egypt were smote with murrain as a punishment 
for retaining the children of Israel in bondage. Profane writers, 
as Homer, Hippocrates, Plutarch, Virgil, and others before 
Christ, make mention of it, and it has existed in various coun- 
tries of Asia and Europe, down to the present day — not con- 
tinuously, but at different periods — and been attended with 
devastating fatality, sweeping, at times, the countries which it 
ravaged, of almost all their herds. 

The lights of science and investigation have failed to give the 
cause or origin of these epidemics; but that they have been con- 
tagious is certain, and the immediate extinction of the herds 
affected with it has proved as yet its only certain cure. We 
have not space to recount its ravages, even in England of late, 
and can only allude to it in connection with what we have lately 
known of it in our own country. "Murrain," as we understand 
it in America, is only a casual disease, deadly enough when it 



4:92 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

breaks out, but mitigated in its virulence from the deadly mur- 
rain of scriptural times, which was of malignant type. Pleuro- 
pneumonia is worse and more deadly than any domestic mur- 
rain, and has prevailed, at sundry times, to more or less fatal 
extent in America ; but the still more deadly and fatal Kinder 
pest has visited us but once, and that recently. 

These may be called kindred diseases, as the forms they take 
may rage with less or greater violence and fatality, or yield to, 
or resist medical treatment. A brief history of the Rinderpest 
in America, may be important for our information. We find it 
on the "Fourteenth Annual Report of the Secretary of the 
Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, for the year 1865," as a 
report of a Commission appointed by the State Legislature to 
investigate the disease. It is there given as the Pleuro- 
pneumonia : 

" We may reasonably entertain the hope, that after a long 
series of well-meant and well-directed efforts, that contagious 
disease among cattle, known as pleuro-pneumonia, has been erad- 
icated ; while the sad experience of Great Britain in combating 
a somewhat analogous disease, the rinderpest or cattle plague, 
which has carried off more than two hundred thousand of the 
finest animals, has become sufficiently well known to confirm the 
wisdom and sound judgment of our own State authorities in the 
course adopted to prevent the introduction and spread of con- 
tagious diseases among our stock 

"It is possible that in the early stages of our efforts to arrest 
the progress of the pleuro-pneumonia, when the disease was less 
understood than it is now, a somewhat larger number of cattle 
were destroyed than was absolutely necessary to secure the object 
in view ; but no one can be so short-sighted as not to admit that 
it was better to err on the side of safety than to run the risk of 
incurring the losses which would inevitably have followed 
neglect j for we know now that every conceivable expedient was 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 493 

adopted by the English government to avoid the harsh necessity 
of a resort to the 'stamping-out process,' and that it was com- 
pelled to come to it at last, and to admit that it was the only 
effectual means of avoiding a far more terrible disaster, the losses 
in two years being about twenty millions of dollars. 

"By a reference to the following report of the Massachusetts 
Commissioners on Contagious Diseases among Cattle, it will be 
seen that the aggregate cost to the State of extirpating the dis- 
ease from our herds has been less than seventy thousand dollars, 
an amount which must appear trifling when compared with the 
results attained, and the exemption secured, by the efficient 
efforts of the State Board of Agriculture, and the too little 
appreciated labors of the Cattle Commissioners. 

"The Commissioners on Contagious Diseases among Cattle, in 
submitting their report, congratulate the people of the Com- 
monwealth upon the probable extinction of the disease, (no case 
having come to their knowledge since October, 1865,) which but 
a few years since threatened to be of so serious a character, viz.: 
p le uro-pneumonia. 

"The Commissioners have been called to several towns during 
the past year, to examine diseased animals, yet not a case of 
contagious pleuro-pneumonia has been found. 

"A concise history of the disease, from its first appearance in 
Mr. Chenery's herd in Belmont, to the present time, is deemed 
of sufficient importance to warrant its insertion in this report. 

"In the latter part of May, 1859, four cattle arrived from 
Holland and were taken to the farm of Mr. Chenery.* Two of 
them were sick, and in a few days died. Another soon after 
sickened and died. At the time of the death of the third, three 
calves were sold to go to North Brookfield, one of which was 
taken to the herd of a dealer for treatment, being sick. The 

"* See notice of Mr. Chenery's importation of Holstein cattle, page lti9.— L. F. A, 



494 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

dealer, trading in cattle, as usual, soon spread the disease far and 
wide. 

" In the following April, an act was passed ' to provide for the 
extirpation of the disease called pleuro-pneuraonia among cattle,' 
which gave the Commissioners power to cause to be killed all 
cattle in herds where the disease was known or suspected to 
exist. The disease had, at the time of the passage of the act, 
been extensively scattered, and in a short time the appropriation 
($10,000) was absorbed. A larger number of cattle having 
been exposed than was at first estimated, an extra session of the 
legislature was called to revise the law, and to provide the means 
of executing it. A new law was enacted, and received the 
sanction of the Executive on the 12 th of June. 

" No new outbreak of the disease occurred during that year, 
nor in that locality, as far as is known, to the present time. The 
number of cattle killed was nine hundred and thirty-two. 

" For more than a year nothing was heard of pleuro-pneumonia. 
In fact, those most directly interested were confident that the 
disease was extirpated. Early in the following winter, however, 
it was reported that it existed in Milton, Dorchester, and 
Quincy. 

" A Board of Commissioners was appointed, who, upon investi- 
gation, found the report to be true. A pair of cattle was purchased 
at Brighton, which were taken to Quincy, and both died. No 
further history of them could be learned, as it was impossible to 
identify them ; but the spread of the disease could in every 
instance be traced to contact with the animals in the herd in 
which they were at the time of their death, as shown in the 
report of that year. The number killed during the year, was 
one hundred and fifty-four. 

" For several months the Commissioners felt confident that the 
disease was eradicated. In February, 1863, the Commissioners 
were called to examine sick cattle in the north part of Waltham 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 495 

— also in Lexington. It proved to be pleuro- pneumonia, and its 
origin was directly traced to a dealer, and from the sale of cattle 
by him, to eight different herds. The appropriation ($1,000) 
was soon exhausted, consequently the Commissioners resigned. 

"The selectmen of several towns were called upon to execute 
the law, which they (some of them at least) reluctantly did, yet 
the disease still prevailed. Accordingly the present board of 
Commissioners was appointed in April, 1864 

" It was found that several herds were affected, and that the 
origin of the disease was in Lexington, or that immediate vicinity. 
Seventy-four cattle were killed during the year. 

" In 1865, but three herds were found affected with the disease, 
from which four animals were killed. 

" The Legislature in its last session, in a proviso to the resolve, 
allowing the sum of twenty thousand dollars to the use of the 
Commissioners, require them to make investigation and report 
upon the curability of the disease. 

" No cases of the disease having come before the ooard the 
past year, they were of course unable to comply with the request, 
and can only refer, for information on this subject, to the report 
of last year, on the experiments made by the Commissioners 
during the years of 1864 and 1865. 

" The uniform course of the present board has been to isolate 
all herds they have found affected with the disease, and such 
other cattle as had in any way been exposed to diseased herds, 
to kill such as they were satisfied had the disease to that extent, 
as to make them useless to the owners, and, in but few instances, 
only such. The result of our action contrasts favorably with that 
of Great Britain, in the management heretofore of contagious 
diseases among cattle. 

"In Great Britain, during the past two years, public attention 
has been diverted from pleuro-pneumoma, to the more terrible 
disease, rinderpest. 



496 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" We here quote from Prof. McCall's introductory lecture before 
the class of veterinary students, November 6th, of the present 
year, at Glasgow, Scotland, to show that pleuro-pneumonia is still 
making its ravages among the cattle of that country : 

" 'For upwards of twenty years this country has annually lost 
thousands of cattle from one contagious disease alone, viz.: pleuro- 
pneumonia, and at the present moment it is busy among our 
herds. One gentleman present has lost twenty-two out of a 
herd of thirty-five ; and a few weeks ago I was consulted by a 
farmer who had lost twelve out of twenty, and now the disease 
has appeard among his young stock. The number of deaths in 
these instances are appalling, and the loss, directly or indirectly, 
cannot be estimated at less than £900 or £1,000— ($5,000.) 

" ' The plague has drained the pockets of farmers and dairy- 
men of thousands sterling ; but, thank Providence, we are now 
free of the disease in this country, Pleuro-pneumonia has drained 
our pockets of millions of pounds, and she is still in our midst, 
the great enemy of our stock. ***** Use the means 
I have indicated, and the means which the plague has taught us 
to be of benefit, in controlling contagious diseases, and if the con- 
tagious pleuro-pneumonia of cattle, now decimating our stock, is 
not thereby extinguished — stamped out — its operations will be so 
curtailed, that the losses resulting to stockholders, from the pres- 
ence of the disease, will sit light upon them.' 

a Prof. Simonds, in his introductory address, delivered at the 
Veterinary College in London, in October, says : 

" ' From this time, the disease called rinderpest, spread in all 
directions, the attacks gradually rising until they reached, in the 
week ending February 17th, 1866, the alarming number of 
15,706. The first order in council, was dated July 14th, 1865, 
and from that period until now, order has succeeded order, with 
more or less influence in checking the progress of the malady, 
and providing for the altered state of things arising out of its 
existence. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 497 

" * The passage of the Cattle Plague Act was, however, the 
real cause of the diminution of the cases which have since taken 
place, and which emboldens us to hope that ere long the dis- 
ease will be entirely exterminated. For the first time in the 
history of the visitation, the attacks were returned as under one 
hundred for the week ending September 1st, ninety-nine being 
the exact number reported by the inspectors.' 

" He quotes from the official returns the amount of loss which 
England herself, apart from other parts of Great Britain, has 
sustained : 

"'The total attacks are returned as 198,406. The animals 
killed, (diseased,) amounted to 77,508; those which died, to 
90,415; the recovered, to 21,589; and the unaccounted for, to 
8,894. Besides which, no less than 38,356 have been slaugm- 
tered healthy, to prevent the spread of the malady. These 
figures are truly formidable; but they fail to show a tithe part 
of the distress and ruin which has been brought on hundreds of 
industrious farmers and cattle owners by this dreadful visitation.' 

"In speaking of Scotland, he says: 

" * It appears from the official returns, that the attacks in Scot- 
land amount to 46,861. being 4,841 per cent, of the entire stcck 
of the country. 

" ' In Ireland, but fifty cattle were exposed to the disease ; 
twenty-nine were attacked, and either died or were killed, and 
twenty-one were slaughtered healthy. 

" 'Nothing can show more clearly the propriety of the stamp- 
mg-out process than this result. In it we have a parallel with 
what took place in France, where only forty-three animals, 
healthy and diseased, were sacrificed to the pole-ax, the country 
being thereby freed from the plague.' 

" The Cattle Plague Act, alluded to above, resembles the law 
passed by the Legislature of Massachusetts, at the extra session, 
in its general features ; and the course adopted by the authori- 



498 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

ties of great Britain, in relation to rinderpest, is similar to that 
taken by the present Board of Commissioners in Massachusetts, 
in relation to pleu?'o-p?ieumonia. 

" Prof. Simonds further says that a focus of the disease still 
exists , consequently the law passed by Congress, preventing the 
landing of any cattle from foreign seaports, should be continued 
in force. 

" We append to this report, a statement of the entire expendi- 
ture, by the State of Massachusetts, for the extirpation of the 
disease, since its commencement in 1860, o.btained from the treas- 
urer's books, which is $67,51 1.08. In addition to this amount, 
the several towns where the disease has been found, have paid 
one-fifth of the cost of isolation, and of the appraised value of 
all the cattle killed, amounting to a sum which we estimate at 
$10,000. (There is no printed report of the number of cattle 
killed by order of the selectmen of towns in 1863.) 

" The amount paid from the treasury on account of pleuro- 
pneumonia, is as follows : 



In 1860, 


$28,733 21 


In 1865, 


$5,622 84 


1861, 


14,118 43 


1866, 


386 35 


1862, 
1863, 


4,525 86 
6,657 32 






$67,511 08." 


1864, 


7,467 07 







Thus, it will be seen, that the disease in Massachusetts was 
effectually "stamped out" by the energetic, relentless action of 
the Commissioners appointed by the State for that purpose. 

We do not find in this report any account of the workings of 
the disease, and for that omission, we are enabled to supply them 
from a report of the Commissioners appointed by a law of the 
Legislature of the State of New York, passed in the year 1866, 
immediately after the passage of the law by Congress prohibit- 
ing the further importation of foreign cattle into this country. 
We cannot do better, perhaps, than to copy the "circular," 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 499 

addressed by this " Commission," at their meeting in Albany, 
June 7th, 1866, "To the farmers of the State of New York." 
The danger of the epidemic then reaching our shores, was 
thought to be imminent : 

RINDERPEST. 

" The disease, called the rinderpest, which swept across the 
Eastern Continent with such resistless fury, destroying vast num- 
bers of ruminant animals, may, at any moment, reach our shores. 

"In view of such a contingency, the Legislature of our State, 
at its last session, appointed the undersigned Commissioners, 
charged to watch over the preservation of our flocks and herds 
from this disease, and armed them with plenary powers to adopt 
such measures as might conduce to the result. 

" No amount of energy or wisdom, on the part of the Com- 
missioners can, however, ward off the ravages of the disease, with- 
out the hearty co-operation of the owners of cattle. United, 
harmonious action, guided by an intelligent plan, will reduce the 
number of victims to a minimum. 

" As a part of such plan, we desire to offer the following advice, 
which we hope will commend itself to the judgment of cattle 
owners, and prevent the spreading of the disease : 

1. Symptoms. 

"After exposure to contagion, the cattle exhibit no external 
marks of disease until from the seventh to the fourteenth day, 
when the following succession of symptoms present themselves : 

"(a.) The breath becomes fetid. We urge farmers, therefore, 
to watch their herds, daily, for the occurrence of this symptom, 
which is easily recognized. The odor sometimes resembles that 
of small-pox, and is the very first symptom presented by the 
disease. 

" (b.) As soon as this odor is observed, the mouth and the 
vagina will be found unnaturally hot and red. 



500 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" (c.) The temperature of the rectum rises from 100° and 1 02°, 
its normal temperature, to 105 ? , 106° and 107°, when the pres- 
ence of the disease may be confidently asserted. This test the 
herdmaster should never everlook. 

" (d.) A few hours after, the lower lip will show, on its internal 
surface, numerous apthous patches, like small blisters, about the 
size of a pin's head. As soon as these appear, a. thick fluid will 
exude and run from the mouth. 

" (e.) The animal will hold its head to one side, and have a 
peculiar dejected and pitiful look. This is very characteristic of 
the disease, and cannot easily be mistaken. 

" When these symptoms appear, notice of the fact should be 
promptly transmitted to the nearest Commissioner. We cannot 
too strongly urge upon cattle owners, the importance of constant 
watchfulness for the occurrence of these symptoms, and of prompt 
information to the Commissioner the moment they are observed. 

2. What is to be done. 

11 (a.) Remove all hay or other food from the manger. Do 
not permit the animal to eat anything. 

" (b.) Clean the stall in which the animal is confined. No 
straw should be allowed as litter. Saw-dust is best, or if it can- 
not be had, dry sand may be used in its stead. 

"(c.) Dig a grave, at least five feet in depth, and large 
enough for the animal with its droppings and litter. 

"(d.) Scrape up the saw-dust or sand whenever any excre- 
ment or urine, or the 'thick fluid,' mentioned in section 1, falls 
upon it, and deposit it in the grave, covering it with sulphate of 
iron (green copperas) or quick-lime. Cover the spaces thus 
scooped out with fresh saw-dust or sand. (This recommenda- 
tion is of very great importance, experience in Europe having 
shown conclusively that it is through the aetion of these excre- 
tions mainly, that the disease is transmitted. Horses, sheep, rats, 
and even birds, which have put their feet in these excretions, and 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 501 

afterwards walked on a public road, have communicated the dis- 
ease to cattle which passed over the same road afterwards. We 
think this precaution will do more than any other to arrest the 
progress of the disease, should it reach this country.) 

11 (e.) Every person whose feet have been in contact with 
these excrements, should wipe them, carefully, before leaving the 
stable. A box of chloride of lime should stand at the stable 
door, and after wiping the shoes, the person should stand in this 
box, to disinfect them. Those who carry out the excretions, 
should carefully avoid touching them with their clothes, and 
should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water, after 
such work. 

" (/.) Isolate all cattle from the sick ones, keeping to wind- 
ward of them. 

"(g.) Keep a good supply of disinfectants always on hand. 

3. Medical treatment. 
"It is not worth while for you to waste money on medical 
treatment. Nearly all the drugs in the Materia Medica have 
been tried in Europe, and found ineffectual. 

4. Precautions. 

11 (a.) Keep your cattle off of, and away from public roads 
as much as possible. 

" (&.) Prevent them from having any intercourse with strange 
cattle. 

" (c.) Improve the ventilation of your stables, keep them 
scrupulously clean, and admit more sunlight into them than is 
usual. 

" (d.) If strange farm laborers come upon your premises, 
insist upon their dipping their shoes in the box of chloride of 
lime, mentioned in section 2, (e.) 

" (e.) The more healthy the condition in which animals are 
kept, the more likely will they be to resist the contagion. 



502 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

" (/.) The more highly bred are your animals, the more care- 
ful should you be to keep them from exposure, as experience 
shows that thorough-bred animals are more likely to take the 
disease than common cattle." 

It will thus be seen that, had the disease appeared, the New 
York Commissioners, being armed with the power, had occasion 
required its use, would have as effectually "stamped out" the 
plague by immediate slaughter, as did their predecessors in Mas- 
sachusetts. Happily such occasion passed, and we trust there 
may be no future necessity of any action. The commission was 
renewed in the year IS 67, to continue three years. 

A modified pleuro-pneumonia has occasionally broken out in 
some of the eastern counties of New York, and Pennsylvania, 
alarming to some extent, at first, but prompt attention prevented 
its spreading, if it did not yield to treatment. Although we 
hope the disease may never occur with us, we have thought that 
a somewhat extended notice of it would not be unprofitable, but 
indeed serviceable to our American farmers. 

We conclude the subject of rinderpest, with an extract from a 
report by Mr. X. A. Willard, on his recent return from an agri- 
cultural tour in England, to the N. Y. Agricultural Society, and 
published in Transactions for the year 1-866 : 

" The southern counties of England through which I passed, 
have suffered but little from this disease, but in some of the 
northern counties, especially Cheshire, the plague has been most 
terrible m its ravages. The immense dairy herds of Cheshire 
have been swept away almost entire, and a great gloom prevails 
among the people. 

" The cheese product in Cheshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, and 
Derbyshire, has fallen off this year more than forty millions of 
pounds. The Cheshire farmers have now no faith in medicine 
or remedial agents for rinderpest. One farmer, who had lost 
eighty head, and had tried various remedies advised by veterina- 



DISEASES AND EEMEDIES. 503 

rians, said he preferred homeopathic treatment, but the cures, like 
the medicines, were infinitesimal. 

"Professor Gamgee, whom I met in London, said, 'our gov- 
ernment ought at once to take the proper steps for crushing out 
the disease, in the event of its reaching our shores. On its first 
appearance in a herd, every animal should be immediately slaugh- 
tered, premises purified, and every precaution taken that it spread 
no further. We must not dilly-dally with the disease, but employ 
prompt action and energetic measures. The men employed to do 
this work should be stern and inflexible in their decisions, and 
not be swayed by any sympathy for losses sustained by those 
owning the herds. They should look upon it as a terrible 
calamity, threatening the nation, which must be walled in and 
crushed at all hazards, in its incipient stages. Take warning, 
said he, by England's dilatory action, and you, in America, will 
be spared one of the greatest calamities that ever befell any 
country.' " 

We trust that the rinderpest in Western Europe, as well as 
in its brief appearance a few years since on our own side of the 
Atlantic, has passed into history, not again to disturb our fears 
with its anticipated ravages. 

ABORTION, OR SLINKING. 

This dangerous disorder has, of late, become rife in some of 
our important dairy districts, to such an extent as to become 
alarming; and no cause has yet been satisfactorily accounted for 
it. It has been seldom, in past years, that cows have aborted 
throughout the country generally. In our own cow keeping of 
many years, chiefly in the best common way of farmers, with hun- 
dreds of them, we have never had, to exceed, in all, half a dozen 
cases. 

Abortion has, however, within a few years past, become alarm- 
ingly prevalent in a portion of the dairy districts of the State of 



504 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

New York. In the Transactions of the New York State Agri- 
cultural Society for the year 1866, it is stated that "the farmers 
in the counties of Herkimer, Oneida, Lewis, and Otsego, have 
been for some years, and are now suffering great loss and dam- 
age from the abortion of their cows. The abortions occur in 
almost every month of gestation; but more particularly from 
the sixth to the ninth month. 

"In a few cases, the cows die in consequence of abortion; in 
others, they remain several months in a feeble and . sickly con- 
dition, during which they cannot be fattened; in others, they 
continue to give milk, but the flow is poor in quality, and small 
in quantity. In some cases, and those appear to be in the 
majority, from the reports we have received, the farmer loses the 
use of the cow for a whole year. 

"The disease began to manifest itself about twelve years ago, 
and has been gradually increasing ever since. It was greatly 
intensified in the year 1865, and continued to increase in 1S66. 
In the year 1866, from the best information we can obtain, 
twenty-five per cent, of the cows in the county of Herkimer 
aborted ; in Oneida, twenty-five per cent.; in Otsego, fifteen per 
cent.; in Lewis, twelve per cent. In the other dairy districts, the 
disease exists, but we are unable to obtain the measure of loss. 

" The farmers' clubs, of those counties, have labored zealously, 
and have expended a great deal of money to ascertain the cause 
of the disorder, but hitherto without success. 

" On high lands and low lands, on old pastures and on new, in 
high, and low bred stock, in cows that were purchased, and 
those which were bred on the farm, in those that were high fed, 
and those that were fed sparingly, in those that were kept in 
underground stables, and in those that were kept above ground, 
in large and small herds, on pastures that had been plastered, 
(with gypsum,) and those which were unplastered, the same 
liability to abortion appears. 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 505 

" The following are the only circumstances which seem to be 
common to all reports : 

"In all cases, the meadows and pastures containad much June 
grass (poa-pratensis.) In nearly all cases the bulls ran with the 
cows,* and in most of them they drank hard water. In every 
case the appearance of the calf was unnatural and unhealthy, 
and the Jochial discharges were unwholesome. 

"The number of milk cows in this State, (New York,) is 
1,123,000. In Herkimer, there are 41,566; in Oneida, 48,510; 
in Lewis, 26,373; in Otsego, 36,847. These counties, with St. 
Lawrence, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chenango, Delaware, Jef- 
ferson, and Orange, have 465,586 cows. 

"The cows of the State produce 103,097,280 pounds of but- 
ter, 48,548,289 pounds of cheese, and about 21,000,000 gallons 
of milk, to be sold in cities and manufacturing villages. The 
value of these dairy products could not have been less than 
$48,000,000. If we assume the loss from abortion to be ten 
per cent., the money value of the loss is $4,800,000 annually." 

This is a most sorry story of abortion; and when it is known, 
as is the fact, that the above mentioned counties are chiefly high, 
rolling land, abounding in the choicest grasses, and pure springs 
and streams of water, eminently healthful to man and animals 
generally, there must be some hidden cause for this calamity. 
And yet no remedy has been discovered to prevent it. 

Much has been written on the subject, within the last two or 
three years, in our agricultural papers, but without settling the 
question of its causes, or its prevention. Among our own cows, 
we do not recollect a single instance where the cow, after a few 

* When will people learn to keep their bulls up— confined, away from their cows, 
either in stables, or yards ? That, of itself, may be one great cause of abortion, the 
cows being continually run after and teazcd by the too officious brute. In previous 
pages we have said quite enough on that very important item of cattle manage- 
ment As June, or blue grass, prevails almost everywhere in the pastures and cat- 
tle regions of North America, we cannot imagine that food has an ything to do with 
abortion.— L. F. A. 

11 



506 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

weeks, or months, did not return to regular breeding, without a 
repetition of the misfortune, so that we have had little experi- 
mental knowledge of the malady. 

Some thirty years ago, a gentleman in the eastern part of 
this State had a valuable herd of short-horns. The cows had 
bred successfully, until one summer, while in their usual pastures, 
a large majority of them, one after another, slipped their calves. 
The fact was so extraordinary and continuous in the herd, that 
their owner at once resolved to send them away to a distance for 
keeping. They were driven out to a fine grass farm about a 
hundred and fifty miles distant. Arriving there, no further abor- 
tions took place, and they were not returned to their old home 
for some months, until the pasturing season had transpired. 
Meantime, the proprietor of the herd began to examine into the 
cause of this strange malady, and soon recollected that he had, 
early in the spring, some time before the abortions commenced, 
spread over his grounds a large quantity of fur clippings and 
trimmings, the refuse of a manufactory where caps and other 
fur clothing were extensively made. He found these clippings 
of skin and fur in various stages of offensive decomposition in 
his pastures, and the cause of the difficulty, in his own mind, 
was readily solved. By the end of the season the clippings had 
become entirely decomposed, and absorbed, or amalgamated into 
the soil. By the next spring, all but their fertilizing power had 
disappeared, and no further ill effects were produced. It is hard- 
ly necessary to say that the experiment was not repeated, and 
the cows were thereafter healthy, and free from further abortions. 

This subject should be well understood. It is so admirably 
and fully treated in Youatt, that in the absence of any mention 
of it by Mr. Lowson, from whom we have so freely quoted, we 
give, at length, Mr. Youatt's remarks on the disease, if disease 
it may be called : 

"The cow is more than any other animal subject to abortion. 
This takes place at different periods of pregnancy, from half of 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 507 

the usual time to the seventh, or almost the eighth month. The 
symptoms of the approach of abortion, except the breeder is very 
much among his stock, are not often perceived ; or if perceived, 
they are concealed by the cowherd, lest he should be accused of 
neglect or improper treatment. 

" The cow is somewhat off her feed — rumination ceases — she 
is listless and dull — the milk diminishes or dries up — the motions 
of the foetus become more feeble, and at length cease altogether 
— there is a slight degree of enlargement of the belly — there is 
a little staggering in her walk — when she is down she lies longer 
than usual, and when she gets up she stands for a longer time 
motionless. As the abortion approaches, a yellow or red 
glairy fluid runs from the vagina (this is a symptom which rarely 
or never deceives) — her breathing becomes laborious and slightly 
convulsive. The belly has for several days lost its natural rotun- 
dity, and has been evidently falling — she begins to moan — the 
pulse becomes small, wiry and intermittent. At length labor 
comes on, and is often attended with much difficulty and danger. 

" If the abortion has been caused by blows or violence, whether 
arising from the brutality of the cowherd, or the animal being 
teased by other cows in season, or by unskillfully castrated oxen, 
the symptoms are more intense. The animal suddenly ceases to 
eat and to ruminate — she is uneasy, paws the ground, rests her 
head on the manger while she is standing, and on her flank when 
she is lying down — hemorrhage frequently comes on from the 
uterus, or when this is not the case, the mouth of the uterus is 
spasmodically contracted. The throes come on, they are dis- 
tressingly violent, and they continue until the womb is ruptured. 
Should not all these circumstances be observed, yet the labor is 
protracted" and dangerous. 

" Abortion is sometimes singularly frequent in particular dis- 
tricts, or on particular farms. It seems to assume an epizootic 
or epidemic form. This has been accounted for in various ways. 



508 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Some have imagined it to be contagious. It is destructively 
propagated among the cows, but this is probably to be explained 
on a different principle than that of contagion. It has been 
stated that the cow is an animal considerably imaginative and 
highly irritable during the period of pregnancy. In abortion 
the foetus is often putrid before it is discharged ; and the pla- 
centa or afterbirth, rarely or never immediately follows it, but 
becomes decomposed, and, as it drops away in fragments, emits 
a peculiar and most noisome smell. This smell seems to be sin- 
gularly annoying to the other cows — they sniff at it, and then 
run bellowing about. Some sympathetic influence is produced 
on their uterine organs, and in a few days a greater or less num- 
ber of those that had pastured together likewise abort. Hence 
arises the rapidity with which the foetus is usually taken away 
and buried deeply, and far from the cows; and hence the more 
effectual preventive of smearing the parts of the cow with tar 
or stinking oils, in order to conceal or subdue the smell ; and 
hence, too, the ineffectual preventing of removing her to a far 
distant pasture. 

"Chabert, in his 'Veterinary Instructions,' relates a singular 
case of this — a kind of pest or plague in the dairy of a farmer 
at Toury. For thirty years his cows had been subject to abor- 
tion. His cowhouse was large and airy ; his cows were appar- 
ently in good health ; they were fed like others in the village ; 
they drank from the same pond ; there was nothing different in 
the pasture; his servants were not accustomed to ill-use the cat- 
tle, and he had changed these servants many times in the thirty 
years. He had changed his bull many a time ; he had pulled 
down his cowhouse, and he had built another in a different situa- 
tion, with a different aspect, and on a different plan ; he had even 
(agreeably to the superstition of the neighborhood) taken away 
the aborted calf through the window, that the curse of future 
abortion might not be entailed on the cow that passed over the 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 509 

-same threshold ; nay, to make all sure, he had broken through 
the wall at the end of the cowhouse, and opened a new door, in 
order that there might not be the possibility that an elf-struck 
foetus had previously gone that way ; but still a greater or less 
number of his cows every year slunk their calves. 

"Thirty years before, he had bought a cow at a fair, and she 
had suffered an abortion, and others had speedily followed her 
example ; and the cow that had once slunk her calf was liable to 
do the same in the following year, and so the destructive habit 
had been perpetuated among his beasts. 

" Several of the cows had died in the act of abortion, and he 
had replaced them by others ; more of those that had aborted 
once or twice, or oftener, had been sold, and the vacancies filled 
up. M. Chabert advised him to make a thorough change. This 
had never occurred to the farmer, but he at once saw the pro- 
priety of the counsel. He sold every beast, and the plague 
was stayed. This sympathetic influence is one main cause of 
the slinking of the calves. There is no contagion, but the result 
is as fatal as the direst contagion could have made it. 

" Another cause of abortion is the extravagantly high condition 
in which cows are sometimes kept. They are in a continual state 
of excitement; and from the slightest cause, inflammation is set 
up in the uterus, rendered more susceptible by the state of preg- 
nancy, and abortion is the frequent consequence of that inflam- 
mation. 

" M. Cruzel has given an instructive account of abortion thus 
produced. He was consulted by a farmer who had ten breed- 
ing cows, that occasionally worked at the plough ; as is often the 
case in France. During the first year three of them aborted. 
They recovered, and were soon again in calf. Two of them 
slunk their calves a second time, between the fifth and sixth 
months of pregnancy ; the third went her full time and produced 
a weakly calf, that died on the second day. In the following 



510 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

year a fourth aborted, and M. Cruzel was sent for. He was im- 
mediately struck with the unnecessarily high condition in which 
all the cows and their calves were. He carefully inquired, but 
could discover no other probable cause for these repeated acci- 
dents, and he at once attributed them to the state of plethora in 
which the beasts were kept. He ordered their quantity of food 
to be materially reduced ; he bled every one of them ; the farmer- 
took care that nutriment should not afterwards be so danger- 
ously wasted upon them, and abortion ceased to appear on the 
farm. 

"Mr. Wedge, in his 'Survey of Cheshire,' confirms this. He 
says that ' slinking happens generally in wet seasons, or token the 
cattle are in very high condition, and generally continues for two 
or three years together. In several parts of North Wales, 
where the cattle through necessity are kept in lower condition, 
instances of the kind very rarely happen.' 

"The pastures on which the blood or inflammatory fever is 
most prevalent, are those on which the cows oftenest slink their 
calves. Whatever can become a source of general excitation 
and fever, is likely, during pregnancy, to produce inflammation 
of the womb : or whatever would, under other circumstances, 
excite inflammation of almost any organ, has at that time its 
injurious effect determined to this particular one. 

"There are some curious illustrations of this. It is well 
known that cattle of all kinds are sometimes seriously injured by 
feeding in the autumn on grass thickly covered with hoar-frost. 
Inflammation of the bowels of a dangerous character, and some- 
times palsy of the rumen, have been thus produced. In Switz- 
erland, the commencement of the hoar-frost is the signal for the 
appearance of abortion. It is occasionally seen at other times 
in all the cantons, but now its victims are multiplied tenfold. 
M. Barruel, V. S., of Chartres, speaks of sixteen cows that 
aborted at different periods of pregnancy, from this cause, and 
most of which died. 



DISEASES AND EEMEDIES. 511 

^crid plants are often prejudicial to cattle. 'There is no 
farmer who is not aware of the injurious effect of the coarse, 
rank herbage of low, marshy, and woody countries, and he 
regards these districts as the chosen residence of red water ; ' it 
may be added, that these districts are also the chosen residence 
of abortion. 

11 Hard and mineral waters are justly considered as laying the 
foundation for many diseases in cattle, and for this among the 
rest. A writer, in a German periodical, gives the following 
account: 'in 1822, twelve of his in-calf heifers cast their calves, 
and in the following year the like accident happened to twelve 
others, the whole of which used to drink from ponds, the water 
of which was strongly impregnated with iron. In 1824, ten 
cows that were watered at other places all calved safely, while a 
single cow that was allowed to drink of the ferruginous water 
cast her calf. The same occurred in two following years.' 

u Cows that have been long afflicted with hoose, and that 
degenerating into consumption, are exceedingly subject to abor- 
tion. They are continually at heat ; they rarely become preg- 
nant, or if they do, a great proportion of them cast their calves. 
When consumption is established, and the cow is much wasted 
away, she will rarely retain her calf during the natural period 
of pregnancy. 

" An in-calf beast will scarcely have hoose to any considera- 
ble extent without afterwards aborting. The pressure of the 
distended rumen seems to injure or destroy the foetus. Even 
where the distension of the stomach does not wear a serious 
character, abortion often follows the sudden change from poor to 
luxuriant food. Cows that have been out and half starved in 
the winter, and incautiously turned on rich pasture in the spring, 
are too apt to cast their calves from the undue general or local 
excitation that is set up ; and, as has been already remarked, a 
sudden change from rich pasture to a state of comparative star- 



512 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

vation will produce the same effect, but from an opposite cause. 
Hence it is that when this disposition to abort first appears in a 
dairy, it is usually in a cow that lias been lately purchased. 
Fright, from whatever cause, may produce abortion. There are 
singular cases on record of whole herds of cows slinking their 
calves after being terrified by an unusually violent thunder- 
storm.* Commerce with the bull, soon after conception, is a 
frequent cause of abortion. The casting of the calf has already 
been attributed to the sympathetic influence of the effluvia from 
the decomposing placenta : there are plenty of instances in which 
other putrid smells have produced the same effect, and therefore 
the inmates of crowded cowhouses are not unfrequently subject 
to this mishap. 

" The consequences of premature calving, are frequently of a 
very serious nature. It has been stated that there is often con- 
siderable spasmodic closure of the mouth of the uterus, and that 
the calf is produced with much difficulty and pain, and espec- 
ially if a few days have elapsed after the death of the young 
one. When this is the case the mother frequently dies, or her 
recovery is much slower than after natural parturition. The 
coat continues rough and staring for a long time; the skin clings 
to the ribs ; the appetite does not return, and the milk is dried up. 
Some internal chronic complaint now takes its rise, and the 
foundation is laid for consumption and death. 

" When the case is more favorable, the results are, neverthe- 
less, often annoying. The cow very soon goes again to heat, 
but in a great many cases she fails to become pregnant; she 
almost certainly does so if she is put to the bull during the first 

* "Instructions Veterinaries, vol. 6, p. 154. Dr. Rudge, in his ' Survey of Glouces- 
tershire,' says, that there was an enclosure near Arlingham, close to which was a 
dog-kennel. Eight heifers and cows out of twenty aborted, in consequence, as it 
was supposed by the farmer, of the frequent exposure of flesh, and the skinning of 
dead horses before them. The remainder were removed to a distant pasture anil 
did well." 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 513 

heat after abortion. The heat again and again returns, but she 
does not stand to the bulling ; and so the season is wasted, while 
she becomes a perfect nuisance by continually worrying the other 
cattle. 

"If she should come in calf again during that season, it is 
very probable that about the same period of utero-gestation, or 
a little later, she will again abort ; or that when she becomes in 
calf in the following year, the same fatality will attend her. 
Sbme say that this disposition to cast her young one, gradually 
ceases ; that if she does miscarry, it is at a later and still later 
period of pregnancy ; and that in about three or four years, she 
may be depended upon as a tolerably safe breeder ; he, however, 
would be exceedingly inattentive to his interest, who kept a 
profitless beast so long. 

"The calf very rarely lives, and in the majority of cases it is 
born dead or putrid. If there should appear to be any chance of 
saving it, it should be washed with warm water, carefully dried, 
and fed frequently with small quantities of new milk, mixed, 
according to the apparent weakness of the animal, either with 
raw eggs or good gruel ; while the bowels should, if occasion 
requires, be opened by means of small doses of castor oil. If 
any considerable period has to elapse before the natural term of 
pregnancy would have expired, it will usually be necessary to 
bring up the little animal entirely by the hand. * 

" The treatment of abortion will differ little from that of par- 
turition. If the farmer has once been tormented by this pest in 
his dairy, he should carefully watch the approaching sj^mptoms 
of casting the calf, and as soon as he perceives them, should 
remove the cow from pasture to a comfortable cowhouse or shed. 
If the discharge is glairy, but not offensive, he may hope that 
the calf is not dead ; he will be assured of this by the motion of 
the foetus, and then it is possible that the abortion may yet be 
avoided. He should hasten to bleed her, and that copiously, in 
22* 



514 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

proportion to her age, size, condition, and state of excitation in 
which he may find her; and he should give a dose of physic 
immediately after bleeding. The physic beginning to operate, 
he should administer half a drachm of opium, and half an ounce 
of sweet spirits of nitre. Unless she is in a state of great debility, 
he should avoid, above all things, the comfortable drink, which 
some persons so strangely recommend ; and which the cow-leech 
will be almost sure to administer. He should allow nothing but 
gruel, and he should keep his patient as quiet as he can. By 
these means, he may occasionally allay the general or local irrita- 
tion that precedes or causes the abortion, and the cow may yet 
go to her full time. 

" Should, however, the discharge be foetid, the natural con- 
clusion will be that the foetus is dead, and must be got rid of, 
and that as speedily as possible. Bleeding may even then be 
requisite, if much fever exists ; or, perchance, the aforesaid com- 
fortable drink may not be out of place. In other respects, the 
animal must be treated as if her usual time of pregnancy had 
been accomplished. 

" Much may be done in the way of preventing the formation 
of this habit of abortion among the cows. The foetus must he 
got rid of immediately. It should be buried deep, and far from 
the cow pasture. Proper means should be taken to hasten the 
expulsion of the placenta. A dose of physic should be given ; 
the ergot of rye should be administered ; the hand should be 
introduced, and an effort made, cautiously and gently, to detach 
the placenta: all violence, however, should be carefully avoided, 
for considerable and fatal hemorrhage may be speedily produced. 
The parts of the cow should be well washed with a solution of 
the chloride of lime, and this should be injected up the vagina, 
and also given internally. In the meantime, and especially after 
the expulsion of the placenta, the cow-house should be well 
washed with the same solution, in the manner that was recom- 



DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 515 

mended when the treatment of the malignant epidemic was under 
consideration. 

" The cow, when beginning to recover, should be fattened and 
sold. This is the first, and the grand step towards the preven- 
tion of abortion, and he is unwise who does not immediately 
adopt it. All other means are comparatively inefficient and 
worthless. It was the charm, by means of which Chabert 
arrested the plague, which, for thirty successive years, had devas- 
tated the farm at Toury. Should the owner be reluctant to part 
with her, two months at least should pass before she is permitted 
to return to her companions. Prudence would probably dictate 
that she should never return to them ; but be kept, if possible, 
on some distant part of the farm. 

"Abortion having once occurred on the farm, the breeding 
cows should be carefully watched. Although well fed, they 
should not be suffered to get into too high condition. If the 
pest continues to re-appear, the owner should most carefully 
examine how far any of the causes of abortion that have been 
detected may exist on his farm, and exert himself in carefully 
removing them." 



Having at much length in the foregoing pages given elaborate 
English authority on diseases and remedies, and somewhat of 
sound American practice, able as we consider the English treatise, 
it may not be altogether applicable in treatment in our American 
climates, with their different soils, foods, and the manner in which 
our cattle are generally managed. To that class of stock breed- 
ers, who have been educated in European habits of cattle keeping, 
the Lawson treatise may be thought the most appropriate. To 
the native American herdsman a different process in the remedies 
of diseases may be more acceptable. For the latter's use we know 
of no authority so good as "The American Cattle Doctor," 
by Geo. H. Dadd, a veteran author of many years' practice in 
the United States, and highly approved by intelligent stock 
breeders wherever his book is known. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

CASTRATION, AND SUNDRY MATTERS NOT BEFORE ENUMERATED. 

This operation should always be done before the calf is six 
months old; from one to three months is the better time, as it 
gives less pain, and is sooner healed. When done, the calf should 
be in perfect health, and growing condition. 

The process is so well understood, by cattle breeders generally, 
that particular directions are scarcely necessary. But, it is often- 
times so cruelly and bunglingly performed, as to cause great incon- 
venience and suffering to the animal ; therefore, some directions, 
as to the best mode, are necessary. This may be as follows : 

First, grasp the scrotum in the left hand, and bring the testi- 
cles down to the foot of the bag ; then, with the other hand, and 
a sharp, small knife — a sharp-pointed jack-knife is as good as 
any — cut a perpendicular slit in the back or rear side of each 
testicle, close to the bottom, and long enough for the released tes- 
ticle to pass through ; then cut through the skin, and the inner 
case enclosing it ; push out the testicle, and gently draw the cord 
attached to it out, one or two inches, and cut, or scrape it off, and 
the work is done. Serve the other in the same way. Then put 
in a little salted soft grease, and push it upwards towards the 
belly with the finger. If the weather be hot, a few drops of 
spirits of turpentine, mixed with water, may be washed just with- 
in and around the outside cut of the scrotum, to keep off the 
flies, and the calf may be set at liberty. If the operation be 
done in rainy, or cold weather, the calf should be housed, if pos- 
sible, for a few days, until the healing process is well under way. 
If the scrotum becomes afterwards inflamed, and swells, and 



CASTRATION. 5 1 7 

matter gathers inside, the calf should be caught, the incision 
gently opened at the bottom to let it flow out — even pressed out, 
if it refuses to flow of itself — which it will almost always do, if 
the cut be made large enough, which is the object of it. In a 
few days the cut will be healed, and your calf be capering about 
the lot, yard, or stable, as if nothing had happened to him. All 
twisting, turning, or cording methods, are cruel and. brutal, and 
neither so good, nor safe as the simple cutting we have described. 
The castration of bulls, after arriving at virility, either younger 
or older, may be done in the same way ; but the castration of 
bulls, after three years old, is sometimes hazardous, and if they 
are to be fattened for slaughter, the better way is to feed them 
as bulls. They feed quite as well, and the beef is as good as if 
they were made into stags. Few persons can tell the difference. 

SPAYING CALVES, HEIFERS, OR COWS. 

This is an admirable way of converting them into ripe and 
delicate beef. We know of no finer beef than a three or four- 
year-old spayed heifer. The process is a delicate and skillful 
one, and should never be attempted but by a steady hand. There 
is no way of describing it, so that one not actually seeing, and 
practicing it, may sufficiently understand, so as to successfully 
perform the operation. Therefore, we do not undertake it. 

In stock-growing districts there are usually more or less ex- 
perts in the business, and only they should be employed to do 
it. Where a surplus of heifers exist, and beef cattle are numer- 
ously reared, the practice may be resorted to, as both necessary 
and profitable. Spayed heifers feed remarkably well — generally 
better than steers, and when good, are equally sought by all 
butchers who want to furnish choice cuts for their customers. 

FREE-MARTINS. 

Heifers, twinned with a bull, are usually called free-martins, 
and, as a rule, do not breed. Some instances have been known 



518 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

of their doing so, but it is against general experience. Bulls, 
twinned with them, almost always are productive, and no objec- 
tion need be urged against them, on that score. 

Heifers, so bred, usually grow up with a steer-like look, and 
we have known them broken and worked with the steers they 
were twinned with, making serviceable work animals, though 
they hardly ever grew to the size of the steer. The cause of 
their barrenness is found in the want of development, or expan- 
sion in their maternal organs. They seldom ever come in heat, 
or desire copulation. We have had many instances of the kind 
in our own herds, and the heifers always proved barren. Such 
heifers had, therefore, better be treated as steers, and fed for 
slaughter at the proper age. 

Youatt details some processes of examination into the breeding 
organs of free-martins, but only to show the utter impossibility of 
their power of conception. Twin heifers are as productive as 
single ones, but we do not know that they arc more likely to 
produce twin calves than they. Indeed, one good calf is quite 
enough for a cow to produce at a time, and with it, the breeder 
should strive to be content. 

DRINKING WATER. 

We have often spoken of pure water for cattle. As a rule, 
their drinking water should be so. Yet there are certain medici- 
nal, mineral, or impure waters, of which they are remarkably fond, 
as springs slightly saline, sulphury, or tinctured with iron, such 
being the most common of the mineral water. Sometimes, cattle 
incline to partake of stagnant and filthy waters, and will, if 
opportunity offers, gorge themselves almost to bursting with 
them, even to the neglect of the purest springs, or streams to 
which they have daily access. 

Why this apparently vitiated taste exists, we do not always 
know, for healthy cattle most generally indulge it, nor do we 



DRINKING WATER. 519 

know that its use affects them adversely, when only occasionally 
drank by them. There is certainly something in the taste of the 
water that they like, but we would not indulge them in its use, 
to any extent — dairy cows, especially. A constant use of it 
must affect their milk, in taste, and quality. It may act upon 
them medicinally for a time or two, but its constant use with cat- 
tle, for any purpose, we think disadvantageous to their general 
health and welfare. Therefore, we say that clean, and pure, and 
running water, should always be furnished them, if possible. 

We are aware that there are wide districts of country, where 
natural springs and streams are not abundant, and water must 
be supplied by wells, cisterns, or artificial ponds; and even in 
such localities, the cattle are healthy, if they only get enough 
of it. It is only necessary, in such instances, that the water be 
furnished and kept in as pure a state as possible. 

BLOODY MILK CURDLED MILK. 

It sometimes occurs that a cow will give bloody, and again, 
curdled milk from one or more teats, but not as a continuous 
habit. Bloody milk, generally comes from an injury to the 
udder, or teat, by inflammation, a bruise, or wound, and some- 
times from disorder in the interior part of the udder. The curdly 
milk shows itself in small lumps, or pellets, or stringy issues 
when milking, while the milk from the other teats will be per- 
fectly good. Such diseased milk should never enter the pail but 
be drawn on the ground, or stable floor. 

When either of these difficulties occur, the affected teat and 
udder should be bathed with some soft emollient, as in garget 
or puerperal fever; an ounce or two of saltpetre, dissolved in 
water, may be given as a dose. When the curdled pellets, or 
stringy flows occur, stopping the passage, a smooth, blunt-pointed 
wire, not larger than a wheat straw, may be gently forced through 
the orifice of the teat, up into the udder, to remove, the impedi- 
ment, back into the udder where it may be dissolved. 



520 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

Such difficulties, however, seldom occur, and are usually over- 
come without difficulty in a few days, by careful usage. Should 
the udder persist in yielding such disordered milk for any con- 
siderable length of time, and through a majority of the teats, it 
must be a question of profit with the dairyman whether to dry 
her off for the shambles, or still retain her in the dairy, or for 
breeding, in hopes of a better prospect in another year. 

"handling." 

This is a technical term which we have frequently used in 
treating of the quality of cattle, and not, perhaps, sufficiently 
explained at the time of first using it. It applies, in the man- 
ner we have so used it, simply to the skin, and layer of flesh 
immediately under it, as denoting the condition of the beast for 
taking on flesh, and its quality, as consumable beef. A " hard 
handler," is one with a tight, close skin, with little or no yield- 
ing of the flesh beneath. A "soft," or "good handler," denotes 
an elastic or springy touch, both skin and flesh yielding like a 
small hollow India-rubber ball, to the pressure of the fingers, 
and the skin easy of movement over the flesh — not flabby, as 
is sometimes the case with a very thin-skinned, and sleazily 
made up animal. 

A "hard handler," denotes a bad and slow feeder, and tough 
meat. A "soft" or "good handler" denotes tender, juicy meat, 
and a quick, profitable feeder. These different kinds of hand- 
ling, therefore, are a pretty certain indication of the value of 
animals, either as feeders, or in the quality of their flesh. The 
flabby handlers, although perhaps preferable to the really hard 
handlers, are not desirable, lacking compactness in meat, and 
"running about," as the English butchers say, on the block 
when cutting up. 

The term has been but little used, or even understood, in this 
country, until within the last twenty-five or thirty years, or since 
the "improved " foreign breeds have been introduced among us. 



HANDLING. 521 

Years ago, we have attended sundry cattle shows, and seen 
various prizes awarded to breeding and fatted cattle, without 
their being touched by the viewing committees, they being 
unconscious of the great difference in handling, or in the value 
of that quality, and judging only by the appearance and gen- 
eral " make-up" of the animals; while a thoroughly educated 
English grazier, or butcher, would go blindfolded into the rings, 
and apply his hand, rather than his eyes, if he were confined to 
either one sense, or the other, to judge of their quality. 

But we have fast learned better. Now, we are happy to 
say, that the touch, as well as the sight, is considered important 
in judging of the true quality of the beast. "Handling," there- 
fore, is an important item, and good handling has become indis- 
pensable in marking the best quality; and since it has so become, 
an evident improvement in that particular is found in the majority 
ol all our improved breeds of cattle. The brisket, neck-vein, 
crops, ribs, back, loin, rump, and thighs, are the important points 
in determining the quality of either descriptions of handling. 

The same remarks will equally apply to dairy, and breeding 
cows, the best handlers being always the most desirable for 
both purposes. Our own experience has been conclusive on this 
point, with animals for any purposes, and we would prefer good 
handlers, with some strongly defective anatomical points, to oth- 
ers "hard" in their "handling," yet with a more perfect contour 
of shape and appearance. G-ood handling, therefore, is a great 
point of excellence. 

"proof." 

This is another technical term which we have occasionally 
used in speaking of beef cattle. In the English, or foreign sense, 
it denotes tallow, well "marbled" flesh, or the intermixture of 
fat with the lean in suitable proportion when the beef is exposed, 
after slaughter. There is much difference in cattle in this par 
ticular. Good handlers almost always prove well, laying on their 



522 AMERICAN CATTLE. 

fat in good places, and being equally distributed, both inside, as 
well as next to the skin. 

A hard handler seldom proves well. He is apt to be "lumpy," 
or " patchy " on the surface, when highly fed, putting the fat in 
undesirable places, with an absence of it in the parts where most 
wanted. Thus good handling, and proof, are apt to go together; 
one in the living beast, the other after slaughter, on the hooks, 
or the butcher's block. 

LARGE, OR OVERGROWN CATTLE. 

There is a great propensity with some people for large cattle. 
Whatever the breed, great size they count a great excellence. 
This is altogether a mistake. Extraordinary size is apt to be 
accompanied with heavy bone, and coarseness. Coarse cattle 
are always large consumers, and, generally, slow feeders. They 
mature tardily. Their -quality of flesh is coarse, and the beast, 
taken altogether, is undesirable both to the feeder, the butcher, 
and consumer. 

The most profitable of all cattle to the breeder, and grazier, 
are those of medium size, compact form, low on the leg, and 
what may be called — chunky ; yet they should have good length. 
Still they should have good size for the breed ; as much size as 
is consistent with fineness, which means, small bone, and well 
fleshed. 

We frequently read accounts in the papers of enormously 
large calves, steers, and bullocks — oxen which weigh 3,000 
pounds, live weight, and upwards. Whenever we hear of such, 
we immediately couple them with coarseness. It cannot be oth- 
erwise, because such size is unnatural to the ordinary nature of 
the beast. When fully fatted — and they hardly ever do get 
thoroughly fat until five or six years old — they are patchy, or 
lumpy, which is bad in beef cattle. Therefore, we say, do not 
aim at extraordinary size in your stock. If of good breed, the 



OVERGROWN CATTLE. 523 

feed will regulate the size, and abundant food will give size 
enough. 

We have seen, it is true, some very large cattle that were 
really fine ; but such are exceptions to the common rule, and 
we would not seek for them as bulls for stock getters, or cows 
for breeding, at corresponding prices; that is to say, extraordi- 
nary prices for extraordinary size, for it is not the rule that such 
animals will produce their own sizes in their offspring, or beyond 
the usual growth of the breed to which they belong. They are 
simply, accidents. 

Nor would we choose undersized animals. A fair medium is 
always the safest, and best, in all stock cattle. Good size, fine- 
ness of bone, and full points, all over, is the rule which we would 
recommend in the selection of all neat cattle, according to their 
breed. 



ANALYTICAL INDEX. 



Abortion or slinking, 503; in the dairies 
of New York, 504; treatment of by 
Youatt, 506. 

Ages of cattle— Marks indicating, 419. 

Alderney cattle— Origin and history, 128; 
description, 128, 129 ; cow, 130 ; intro- 
duction to the United States, 131 ; won- 
derful yield of milk and butter, 131 ; 
bull, 132 ; feeding in Channel Islands, 
132 ; as a working ox, 133 ; as a beef 
animal, 133. 

Allen, A. B. — Cattle in the London Mark- 
ets, 286-288 ; on the increase of Short- 
horns in Great Britain, 164, 165. 

Amalgamation of the different breeds in 
America, 34-39. 

America favorable to cattle production, 
23. 

Anatomical points of cattle, 41. 

Ayrshire cattle, 111 ; description, 112- 
117 ; cow, ^13 ; bull, 115 ; their origin 
and history, 116-118; milk production, 
118-120 ; beef qualities, 120 ; manner of 
rearing calves, 122 ; introduction to the 
United States, 123 ; review of their his- 
tory, 123-125 ; in America, 125, 126 ; as 
a beef animal, 126, 127 ; cows, Mr. Bir- 
rie's, 359. 

Bakewell, Robt.— Improver of the Long- 
horns, 77-80. 

Barns for stock, 306. 

Barrenness in cows, 240-250. 

Beauty in cattle, 189, 190. 

Beef— Value of annual consumption in 
United States estimated, 15. 

Beef cattle— Differences in breed, 276. 

Birnie, William— Cooking food, 357-359. 



Black water, 451. 

Bladder— Inflammation of, 447. 

Bloody milk, 519. 

Bowels— Inflammation of, 442. 

Brain— Inflammation of, 448. 

Breachy animals, 431. 

Breeding, 192 ; in-and-in, 200; grade cat 

tie for grazing, 254 ; dairy cows, 255. 

i Breeding cows— Their treatment, 219; 

strange influences on them, 220; re 

markable effects of cross-breeding, 222. 

Breeds— Which are the best, 181-186. 

British cattle— Whence derived and their 
improvement, 45-49. 

Bruises, 439. 

Bulls— Bearing and treatment, 262 ; in- 
stances of remarkable usefulness, 264. 

Butter— Annual production and value in 
United States, 16, 17. 

Caesarian operation, 467. 

Calves— Stock, their rearing and treat- 
ment, 267-270 ; for veal, 270 ; in Lon- 
don market, 290. 

Calving, 462. 

Care of neat stock in winter, 303. 

Castration, 516. 

Catarrh, 457. 

Cattle— In London markets, 286 ; orna- 
ments of parks, 412; love of fine, 413; 
in the V extern States, 412 ; in the Mid- 
dle and Eastern States, 413. 

Cattle yards— Railway, 291. 

Chaps, 468. 

Cheese— Annualproductionandvalue,17. 

Choking, 461. 

Cold, 457. 

Colic, 469. 



526 



ANALYTICAL INDEX. 



Cooking food, 336-359 ; results, 351-356. 

Corn— Best kind for soiling, 313. 

Cows— Fall feeding, 330 ; winter feeding, 
330-333 ; dairy value, 408 ; dairy treat- 
ment, 415 ; treatment in calving, 417- 
419, 462, 463-167 ; sucking themselves, 
432 ; hooking and quarreling, 432. 

Cow-pox, 482. 

Crops for soiling, 313. 

Cross- breeding — Remarkable effects of, 
222. 

Cud— Loss of, 480. 

Curdled milk, 519. 

Cutting fodder, 337 ; what is gained by 
it, 340. 

Dairy lands, 409; dairy women, 410; 
dairy factories, 410. 

Dairy cows— Their treatment, 415. 

Devon cattle— Description and history, 
50 ; English breeders of, 53 ; as a dairy 
cow, 53-56 ; as a working ox, 56, 57; as 
a beef animal, 58, 59 ; in the United 
States, 60, 61 ; in the London market, 
288. 

Diseases— Treatment and cures, 427; pre- 
venting, 427-430 ; quack doctors, 429 ; 
proper, 433; water treatment, 434; gar- 
get, 436; puerperal or milk fever, 437, 
472; wounds,bruises,sprains,439; Low- 
son's treatise on, 440; inflammation of 
bowels, 442; inflammation of lungs, 443; 
inflammation of stomach, 414; inflam- 
mation of kidneys, 416 ; inflammation 
of liver, 447 ; inflammation of bladder, 
447; inflammation of womb, 449; in- 
flammatory fever, 450 ; red water and 
black water, 451 ; scouring rot, 453- 
457 ; catarrh, or cold, 457; mange, 459; 
dysentery, 461 ; the fouls, 461 ; cows 
previous to calving, 462; Caesarian op- 
eration, 467 ; swelling of the udder, 
467 ; chaps, or sore teats, 468; gripes, 
or colic, 469; choking, 471; the gad-fly, 
474; lice, 476 ; fog sickness, 476 ; loss 
of the cud, 480 ; the jaundice, or yel- 
lows, 480; snores, 482; cow-pox, 482: 
the shoote, 483 ; venomous bites, 484 ; 
wounds, 484 , strains and bruises, 487. 

Doctors— Quack, 429. 



Drinking water, 518. 

Dutch Cattle— See Holsteins, 166. 

Drying cow of her milk, 487. 

Dysentery,"461. 

Economical points of cattle, 41. 

Experiments in soiling, 315^326. 

Pat ox— Shape illustrated, .2a5. 

Feeding, 278 ; stall, 280. 

Fences— Saving in pastures by soiling, 
319. 

Fever— Inflammatory, 450. 

Fog sickness, 476. 

Food— The grasses, 297-299 ; cooking, 
336 ; mixing different kfcids, 338. 

Fouls, 461. 

Free-martins, 517. 

Gad-fly, 474. 

Galloway cattle, 99 ; their history, 99 ; 
100; description, 101; bull, 102; ox, 
103; manner of rearing in Scotland 
104-106 ; cow, 107 ; in America, 108 ; in 
the London market, 289. 

Gripes, 469. 

Guenon's theory — Milk marks in cows, 
391 ; illustrated, 392 ; Mr. Magne's ex- 
planation and estimate, 393-397; Mr. 
Haxton's explanation and estimate, 
398 ; disproved, 398, 399. 

Handling, 520, 521 ; young animals, 271- 
274. 

Heifers— When to he bred for the dairy, 
259 ; rearing thorough-bred, 272. 

Hereford cattle— Description and his- 
tory, 62-74; English breeders of, 64; 
as a dairy cow, 66; as a working ox, 
67 ; as a beef animal, 68 ; in the United 
States and Canadas, 70-73 ; bull 65 ; 
cow, 66 ; in the London market, 288. 
History of neat cattle, 25 ; in the Bible, 
in India, Egypt, Europe, 25-28; Ameri- 
can cattle, 29; middle-horns— Devons, 
50-61 ; Hereford cattle, 62-74. 
Holstein, or Dutch cattle— History, 166, 
167; introduction into America, 168; 
Mr. Chenery's importation, 169; de- 
scription, 170; milking qualities, 170, 
171; bull, 170; cow. 172. 
Holderness Cattle, 173. 
Hooking, 432. 



ANALYTICAL INDEX. 



527 



Horns— Marks indicating age, 419. 

Illustrations — The anatomical and eco- 
nomical points of cattle, 41 ; Devon 
bull, 51; Devon cow, 54; Devon ox, 
58 ; Hereford bull, 65 ; Hereford cow, 
66; Hereford ox, 68; Long-horned bull, 
76; Long-horned cow, 81; Long-horned 
ox, 82; West Highland ox, 96; West 
Highland cow, 98; Galloway bull, 102; 
Galloway ox, 103 ; Galloway cow, 107; 
Ayrshire cow, 113; Ayrshire bull, 115; 
Jersey cow, 130 ; Jersey bull, 132 ; 
old style SUort-horn cow, 145; Short- 
horn bull and cow of milking qualities, 
154 ; Short-horn bull of flesh quality, 
156; Short-horn heifer, 157; Short- 
horn fat ox, 162 ; Holstein bull, 170 ; 
Holstein cow, 172; Texan steers, 1?8; 
shape of fat ox, 285; milk cow with 
scutcheon (Guenon's theory), 392; milk 
cow, horned, 399; milk cow, polled, 400; 
teeth and marks of age, 420, 421, 422, 
423, 424, 425. 

Improved breeds of cattled, 45. 

In-and-in breeding, 200; Price, the Here- 
ford breeder, 207; Robert and Charles 
Colling, 207 ; Mr. Bates, 208; the Booth 
brothers, 208; Mr. Humrickhouse, 210; 
Sir John Sebright, 212; Mr. Bake- 
well, 214 ; Mr. Jones, 216. 

Jaundice, 480. 

Kicking cows, 430 ; oxen, 431. 

Lice, 476. 

Liver — Inflammation of, 447. 

Long-homed cattle — History and de- 
scription, 75, 76 ; bull, 76 ; cow, 81 ; ox, 
82 ; as a beef animal, 82 ; introduction 
to and extinction in America, 83, 84. 

London markets— Cattle in, 286-288. 

Lower Canada — Cattle first introduced 
into, 32. 

Lungs— Inflammation of, 443. 

Malignant epidemic, 491. 

Mange, 459. 

Marks indicating ages, 419. 

Massachusetts Bay Colony— When cattle 
were first intnpduced into, 30. 

Maternity — As it approaches, 416. 



Mexico— When cattle were first intro- 
duced into, 29. 

Middle-horned cattle, 50. 

Milk— Value annually sold, 18; produced 
and consumed in households, 18 ; dai- 
ries, 333 ; value sold in New York, 333; 
value sold in the United States, 333; 
swill or distillery, 334 ; fever, 437, 472; 
drying the cow of, 487. 

Milk cows— Their selection, 365-401; 
general marks, 3G6-385; shape, 369-386; 
general appearance, 371-388 ; hygienic 
condition, 372; local marks, 374; selec- 
tion for breeding, 382 ; skin, hair and 
color, 388 ; illustrated, 392, 399, 400; the 
common way of obtaining, 402-404; 
their treatment, 415. 

Milking— How done, how to do, 404-407. 

Murrain, 488-491. 

Native cattle— How bred and mixed from 
divers breeds, 31. 

Nature— Her laws, 195. 

Neatness in milking, 405, 406. 

New Hampshire — When cattle were firste 
introduced into, 30. 

New York— When cattle were first intro- 
duced into, 30. 

Number of cattle in United States, 11. 

Overgrown cattle, 522. 

Pastures— Water in, 300; shade in 300, 
301 ; change of, 301-303. 

Pedigree— Necessity of, 197. 

Perfection of form, 190-195. 

Pleuro-pneumonia, 491. 

Points of cattle— Good and bad, 41-44. 

Pregnancy — Feeding in advanced stages 
of, 250-252 ; duration of, 252. 

Preparing food for steaming, 347. 

Principles of breeding, 192. 

Profits of breeding native cattle, 39. 

Proof, 521, 522. 

Puerperal fever, 437, 472. 

Putrid fever, 488. 

Quack doctors, 429, 440, 441. 

Quality of our native cattle, 34. 

Quebec— When cattle were first intro- 
duced there, 32. 

Railway cattle yards, 291. 



528 



ANALYTICAL INDEX. 



Red water, 451. 

Rinderpest, 491; in America, 492; in 
England, 495 ; law in New York, 498 ; 
symptoms, 499 ; treatment, 500; pre- 
cautions, 501. 

Rot— Scouring, 453-457. 

Sale milk dairies, 333. 

Scotland— Its cattle, 85, 86. 

Sex of calves— Influencing, 274, 275. 

Shape of fat cattle, 284-286 

Sheds lor cattle, 306. 

Shelter to young animals, 271. 

Shoote, 483. 

Short-horns, 134; English writers on 
them, 134, 135 ; Berry's pretended his- 
tory of them, 135-140; Youatt's his- 
tory, 136-139; true history, 140-145; 
the "Durham ox," 144; the "White 
Heifer that travelled," 144 ; cow of the 
old style, 145; introduction to America, 
146-152; herd books, 153; character- 
istics, 153-160 ; bull and cow of milking 
tribes, 154; as fiesh producers, 155; 
bull, 150 ; heifer, 157 ; description and 
colors, 158-160; as a dairy cow, 160; as 
a working ox, 161 ; as a beef animal, 
161-163; fat ox, 162 ; their proper homes, 
163, their increasing popularity and 
distribution, 164, 165; in the London 
market, 286-288. 

Size— Extremes should not be crossed, 
198. 

Snores, 482. 

Soiling stock, 311-330; condition of ani- 
mals, 317; effect of on milk, 318; saving 
in fences, 319 ; saving in manure, 321 ; 
saving inland, 321 ; crops, 322 ; method 
of feeding, 323, 324; arrangement of 
animals, 324. 
Sore teats, 468. 

Spanish cattle— See Texans, 176 
Spaying heifers and cows, 517. 
Sprains, 439. 
Stall feeding, 280-284. 
Steam apparatus for cooking food, 346 ; 
a cheap one, 348. 



Stewart, E. W.— On soiling, 315-329 ; on 

cooking food, 336. 
Stock calves— Their rearing and treat- 
ment, 267-270 ; running with the cows, 
270. 
Stomach— Inflammation of, 444. 
Strains and bruises, 487. 
Straw cutters, 341. 

Summer food for dairy cows, 309-313. 
Swill, or distillery milk, 334-357. 
Teats— Sore, 468. 

Teeth— Indications of age, 420-427. 
Texan cattle— Descended from the Span- 
ish cattle, 176 ; description, 177-180 ; 
mode of rearing them, 177 ; portrait 
of a group, 178 ; comparative value, 
179. 
Transportation of stock to markec, 

291. 
Tricks of cattle, 430. 
Udder— Swelling of, 467. 
Value of cattle in the United States, 13, 
14 ; different kinds of cattle food com- 
pared, 344-346. 
Veal— Estimated annual consumption 

and value, 15. 
Venomous bites, 484. 
Virginia— When cattle were first intro- 
duced into, 30. 
Water— Treatment of diseases, 434; 

drinking, 519. 
West Highland cattle— Their history, 87- 
89 ; their management, 94, 95; as a beef- 
animal, 95, 96 ; ox, 96 ; proposed intro- 
duction to America, 97; cow, 98; in the 
London market, 289. 
What constitutes a good animal, 187-189; 

a bad animal, 187, 188. 
Winter forage, 303; winter feeding, 305- 

308. 
Womb— Inflammation of, 449. 
Working oxen, 293 ; rearing, matching 

and training, 294-296. 
Wounds, 439, 484. 
Yellows, 480. 



